Image output control apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image output control apparatus includes a recognition unit for recognizing mounting of a recording medium, a reading unit for reading image-reproduction instruction data recorded in the recording medium based on the recognition of the mounting, and a generation unit for performing image generation for output by selectively reading necessary image data from the information recording medium in accordance with the image-reproduction instruction data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an image output control methodand apparatus which can obtain a desired reproduced image using imagedata recorded in an information storage medium, such as a floppy disk, acard memory or the like, and which can edit data of the informationrecording medium, to a recording medium recording an image data file,and to a recording medium storing an image output control program.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] There is an extra-print service of photographs as a conventionalgeneral method for reproducing image data possessed by the customer. Inthe extra-print service of photographs, the customer brings in asemitransparent negative cover (negative holder) having a developed filmaccommodated thereon to a development laboratory or the like by writingthe number of extra prints of each image, or marks. The developmentlaboratory provides extra prints of a desired image to be reproduced(printed) by specifying the image. Recently, a photo CD (compact disk)system in which an image on a film is read, read image data is writtenin a CD-ROM (read-only memory), and the image data is read from theCD-ROM and is reproduced/displayed on an image display device is beingutilized. In the photo CD system, a computer system reads image datarecorded in a CD-ROM, and outputs the read image data using ahigh-picture-quality printer to provide a print image. Since thehigh-picture-quality printer is too expensive to be possessed by thecustomer, a print image is generally obtained by asking a developmentlaboratory or the like to perform a print service. When asking a printservice, the customer generally gives a CD-ROM, and a memo containinginformation for specifying image data recorded in the CD-ROM (such asthe number of the corresponding image confirmed on an index print or thelike).

[0005] In accordance with improvement in the computer technology,diffusion of personal computers, and diffusion of image input devices,such as digital cameras and the like, the user can easily deal withhigh-definition digital image data. Such image data is recorded in apredetermined information recording medium in one of various kinds ofimage filing formats, such as TIFF, PICT, JPEG (Joint PhotographicExperts Group), RAW and the like, and is usually output from a printerconnected to a computer owned by the user. However, the printer owned bythe user cannot, in some cases, provide a satisfactory print. In orderto solve such a problem, a print service which can output/reproduceimage data recorded in an information recording medium in theabove-described manner using a high-performance printer is available ata development lavoratory, a photo studio, a DPE shop or apersonal-computer shop. In order to obtain such a service, the customermust ask a print-service shop to provide prints by giving image data.Recently, it is possible to ask prints by transmitting image data via acommunication network. However, a print service is usually performed byproviding a print-service shop with an information recording mediumwhere image data is recorded.

[0006] When the customer asks a print service of image data recorded inan information recording medium in the above-described manner, thecustomer must assign a desired image from among image data recorded inthe information recording medium. For that purpose, the customer mustprovide a print-service shop with a memo or the like describing thenumber or the name of the image. The print service shop must provide aprint of the image by selecting the desired image from among the imagedata recorded in the information recording medium based on the number orthe name of the image described in the memo or the like by performing amanual operation.

[0007] In general, a computer system for performing the above-describedprint service requires a complicated operation. Accordingly, it is noteasy for an ordinary shop worker to provide a print by selecting animage to be printed. In addition, since it is necessary to select adesired image from among image data recorded in an information recordingmedium, a manpower is required for providing a print, thereby increasinga time period for providing the print.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to solve theabove-described problems.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide an imagefiling method and an image reproducing method in which a print of adesired image can be promptly obtained by automatically specifying theimage from among images recorded in an information recording medium.

[0010] In an improvement of the invention, there is the problem that,since image reproduction is performed by automatically selecting imagedata to be reproduced using image-reproduction instruction data recordedin an information recording medium, the image to be reproduced cannot beconfirmed before reproducing the image without providing some means.

[0011] In an example of such means, the image-reproduction instructiondata recorded in the information recording medium is checked using anapparatus capable of accessing the information recording medium.However, this method is troublesome because exchange of the informationrecording medium is required.

[0012] Another problem is that, when the total number of printsreproduced/output in accordance with image-reproduction instruction dataexceeds the number outputtable in the system or the apparatus, printoutput cannot be performed in the midst of an image reproducingoperation, thereby generating a system error or the like.

[0013] In another improvement of the invention, aninformation-recording-medium-data editing method in which image data isrecorded or erased, or image-reproduction instruction data is providedor deleted in an information recording medium by accessing it can beconsidered. A system including an image input device, a personalcomputer and the like as well as an information-recording-medium-dataediting unit which adopts this editing method can also be considered. Inthis case, it is possible to record new image data or delete image datawhich becomes unnecessary in the information recording medium, so thatthe capacity and the like of the information recording medium can beeffectively utilized.

[0014] However, when editing data in the information recording medium, areproduction error may be produced when reproducing an image unlessattention is paied to processing of recording/deleting image data andprocessing of instructing (selecting/not selecting) image data to bereproduced. For example, when image data recorded in the informationrecording medium and instructed to be reproduced in accordance withimage-reproduction instruction data is deleted from the image recordingmedium because of some reason, and processing of disablingimage-reproduction instruction data for the deleted data is notperformed, image data instructed to be reproduced is not actuallypresent in the information recording medium, and an image reproducingoperation is terminated as an error. This indicates that the imagereproducing operation is terminated in a state of abnormality whenautomatically performing image reproduction, resulting in a fataloperational error.

[0015] The present invention provides techniques having the followingfeatures.

[0016] In an image filing method for recording image data in aninformation recording medium, the image data and image-reproductioninstruction data instructing whether or not the image data is to bereproduced are recorded in the information recording medium.

[0017] A method for reproducing image data recorded in an informationrecording medium includes data reading means for reading recorded data,such as image data, image-reproduction instruction data and the like,recorded in the information recording medium, means for selectivelyreading the image-reproduction instruction data from among the recordeddata, reproduction-output-data generation processing means for readingnecessary image data from the information recording medium in accordancewith the image-reproduction instruction data and for outputtingreproduction output data for reproduction, and reproducing means forreproducing the reproduction output data.

[0018] According to the image filing method and the image reproducingmethod of the present invention, image data, and image-reproductioninstruction data instructing whether or not the image data is to bereproduced are recorded in the information recording medium. Theimage-reproduction instruction data is selectively read from therecorded data recorded in the information recording medium, necessaryimage data is selectively read from the information recording medium inaccordance with the read image-reproduction instruction data, andprocessing of generating reproduction output data is performed toreproduce desired image data.

[0019] According to one aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to a memory medium for storing image data andimage-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether or not theimage data is to be reproduced so that the image-reproductioninstruction data specifies an image for which image reproduction isinstructed, and that the specified image data can be selectively outputbased on the image-reproduction instruction data.

[0020] According to another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to an image output control method including afunction of recognizing mounting of a recording medium, a readingfunction of reading image-reproduction instruction data recorded in therecording medium based on the recognition of the mounting, and ageneration function of performing image generation for output byselectively reading necessary image data from the information recordingmedium in accordance with the image-reproduction instruction data.

[0021] According to still another aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to an image output control apparatusincluding recognition means for recognizing mounting of a recordingmedium, reading means for reading image-reproduction instruction datarecorded in the recording medium based on the recognition of themounting, and generation means for performing image generation foroutput by selectively reading necessary image data from the informationrecording medium in accordance with the image-reproduction instructiondata.

[0022] According to yet another aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to an output control method includinga determination function of determining mounting of a medium, adiscrimination function of discriminating whether or not an image outputprogram is stored in the medium when the determination function hasdetermined that the medium is mounted, and a control function ofcontrolling output so as to selectively output an image to be output inaccordance with the image output program when the discriminationfunction has discriminated that the image output program is stored.

[0023] According to yet a further aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to an output control apparatusincluding determination means for determining mounting of a medium,discrimination means for discriminating whether or not an image outputprogram is stored in the medium when the determination means hasdetermined that the medium is mounted, and control means for controllingoutput so as to selectively output an image to be output in accordancewith the image output program when the discrimination means hasdiscriminated that the image output program is stored. The control meansmay have a function of determining whether or not image-reproductioninstruction data is stored in the medium. If the result of thedetermination is affirmative, the control means controls output so as toselectively output image data instructed by the image-reproductioninstruction data. The apparatus may further include control means forcontrolling output of the image to be output in accordance with anoutput program incorporated within the apparatus when the discriminationmeans has discriminated that the image output program is not stored inthe medium. The control means may include a function of determiningwhether or not image-reproduction instruction data is stored in themedium. When the result of the determination is affirmative, the controlmeans controls output so as to selectively output image data instructedby the image-reproduction instruction data based on the output programincorporated within the apparatus.

[0024] According to still another aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to an output control method includinga determination function of determining whether or not a medium storingan image output program is set, and a control function of controllingoutput so as to selectively output an image to be output in accordancewith the image output program if the result of the determination isaffirmative.

[0025] According to still another aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to an output control apparatusincluding determination means for determining whether or not a mediumstoring an image output program is set, and control means forcontrolling output so as to selectively output an image to be output inaccordance with the image output program if the result of thedetermination is affirmative.

[0026] According to still another aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to a memory medium including afunction of recognizing mounting of a recording medium, a readingfunction of reading image-reproduction instruction data recorded in therecording medium based on the recognition of the mounting, and ageneration function of performing image generation for output byselectively reading necessary image data from the information recordingmedium in accordance with the image-reproduction instruction data.

[0027] According to still another aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to a memory medium including adetermination function of determining mounting of a medium, adiscrimination function of discriminating whether or not an image outputprogram is stored in the medium when the determination function hasdetermined that the medium is mounted, and a control function ofcontrolling output so as to selectively output an image to be output inaccordance with the image output program when the discriminationfunction has discriminated that the image output program is stored.

[0028] According to still another aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to a memory medium including adetermination function of determining whether or not a medium storing animage output program is set, and a control function of controllingoutput so as to selectively output an image to be output in accordancewith the image output program if the result of the determination by thedetermination function is affirmative.

[0029] According to still another aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to an image output control apparatusincluding recognition means for recognizing mounting of a recordingmedium which stores image data and image-reproduction instruction datafor instructing whether or not the image data is to be reproduced sothat the the image-reproduction instruction data specifies an image forwhich image reproduction is instructed, and that the specified imagedata can be selectively output based on the image-reproductioninstruction data, reading means for reading the image-reproductioninstruction data recorded in the recording medium based on therecognition of the mounting of the recording medium by the recognitionmeans, and generation means for performing image generation for outputby selectively reading necessary image data from the informationrecording medium in accordance with the image-reproduction instructiondata.

[0030] According to still another aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to an image output control apparatusincluding recognition means for recognizing reception of image data andimage-reproduction instruction data in a format so that the image datacan be selectively output in an output device based on theimage-reproduction instruction data, reading control means for readingthe image-reproduction instruction data based on the recognition ofreception of the image data and the image-reproduction instruction databy the recognition means, and generation control means for selectivelyperforming image generation for output for necessary image data fromamong the image data in accordance with the image-reproductioninstruction data.

[0031] According to still another aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to an image output control apparatusincluding data reading means for reading recorded data including imagedata and image-output instruction data recorded in an informationrecording medium, output-data generation processing means for outputtingoutput data for output by reading necessary image data from theinformation recording medium in accordance with the image-outputinstruction data, output means for outputting the output data, datadisplay means for displaying image-output instruction data relatingimage output, and data processing means for analyzing the image-outputinstruction data.

[0032] According to still another aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to an image output control apparatusincluding data reading means for reading recorded data including imagedata and image-output instruction data recorded in an informationrecording medium, output-data generation means for outputting outputdata for output by reading necessary image data from the informationrecording medium in accordance with the image-output instruction data,output means for outputting the output data, data display means fordisplaying data relating to image output, data processing means foranalyzing the image-output instruction data, and means for recognizing anumber of prints currently outputtable by the apparatus.

[0033] According to still another aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to an image output control apparatusincluding means for accessing an information recording medium, datareading means for reading recorded data including image data andimage-output instruction data recorded in the information recordingmedium, and determination means for determining whether or not data toinstruct erasure of image data in the recorded data is present. If thedetermination means has determined that the erasure instruction data ispresent, image-output instruction data corresponding to that image datais erased based on the erasure instruction data.

[0034] According to still another aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to an image output control apparatusincluding reading means for reading image-reproduction instruction datafor instructing whether or not image data is to be reproduced recordedin an information recording medium storing the image data and theimage-reproduction instruction data so that the the image-reproductioninstruction data specifies an image for which image reproduction isinstructed, and that the specified image data can be selectively outputbased on the image-reproduction instruction data, generation means forperforming image reproduction for output by reading necessary image datafrom the information recording medium in accordance with the readimage-reproduction instruction data, and skip means for skipping anoperation of outputting an image corresponding to image data for whichthe image-reproduction instruction data is provided when that image datais absent in the information recording medium.

[0035] According to still another aspect, the present invention whichachieves these objectives relates to an image input control apparatusincluding input control means for inputting image data, and recordingcontrol means for recording image data corresponding toimage-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether or not imagedata is to be reproduced, based on a format provided so thatimage-reproduction instruction data specifies image data for which imagereproduction is instructed.

[0036] The foregoing and other objects, advantages and features of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] FIGS. 1(a)-1(c) are diagrams illustrating a format of filingrecorded images in an information recording medium according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

[0038]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an image reproduction system(apparatus) for performing image reproduction in the first embodiment;

[0039]FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the imagereproduction system of the first embodiment;

[0040] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are diagrams illustrating a format of filingrecorded images in an information recording medium according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

[0041]FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to the second embodiment;

[0042] FIGS. 6(a)-6(c) are diagrams illustrating a format of filingrecorded images in an information recording medium according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

[0043]FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to the third embodiment;

[0044] FIGS. 8(a)-8(c) are diagrams illustrating a format of filingrecorded images in an information recording medium according to amodification of the third embodiment;

[0045] FIGS. 9(a)-9(c) are diagrams illustrating a format of filingrecorded images in an information recording medium according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention;

[0046]FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to the fourth embodiment;

[0047]FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to a modification of the fourth embodimentof the present invention;

[0048]FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0049]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the image reproduction systemfor performing image reproduction according to the fifth embodiment;

[0050]FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a firstrecording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied;

[0051]FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a secondrecording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied;

[0052]FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an image reproduction system(apparatus) for performing image reproduction according to a sixthembodiment of the present invention;

[0053] FIGS. 17(a)-17(c) are diagrams illustrating a format of filingrecorded images in an information recording medium according to thesixth embodiment;

[0054]FIG. 18 illustrates an example of the contents of recording of afile named ‘AUTOPRINT.MRK’, serving as a recorded-image file in theinformation recording medium in the sixth embodiment;

[0055]FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to the sixth embodiment;

[0056]FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0057]FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an image reproduction system(apparatus) for performing image reproduction according to a ninthembodiment of the present invention;

[0058]FIGS. 22 and 23 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of animage reproduction system according to an eighth embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0059]FIG. 24 illustrates examples of displays indicating images to bereproduced in the eighth embodiment;

[0060]FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a system for executing a methodfor editing information-recording-medium data in a tenth embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0061]FIG. 26 illustrates a display picture surface of a user interfaceunit shown in FIG. 25;

[0062]FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system of the tenth embodiment;

[0063]FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an image reproduction system(apparatus) for performing image reproduction according to an eleventhembodiment of the present invention;

[0064]FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to the eleventh embodiment; and

[0065]FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a system for executing a methodfor editing transferred data according to an example of application ofthe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0066] Image filing methods and image reproducing methods according topreferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail with reference to the drawings.

[0067] Provision of Image-Reproduction Instruction Data Within EachImage Data

[0068] FIGS. 1(a)-1(c) illustrate a format of filing images in aninformation recording medium according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0069] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the informationrecording medium is mapped into four independent areas, i.e., a reservedregion, a file allocation table region, a root directory region, and afile region. In the reserved region, the number of entries within a rootdirectory, the size of the reserved region, and the size of a fileallocation table (FAT) in the information recording medium are recorded.

[0070] In the file allocation table, the state of use of an informationrecording medium space in the file region of the information recordingmedium is recorded. In the root directory, directory-entry informationindicating information relating to the name, the size, the position andthe like of each file recorded in the information recording medium. Inthe file region, actual image data and image-reproduction instructiondata are recorded.

[0071] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(b),image-reproduction instruction data and image data are recorded in thesame file. For the convenience of explanation, this file is named“IMGxxx”. Different characters, numerals or the like are allocated in‘xxx’ in order to discriminate a plurality of images. In the firstembodiment, image-reproduction instruction data is recorded in the headof the file followed by image data. Image data is recorded in the formatof JPEG data. In the JPEG format, original image data is recorded bybeing compressed. As shown in FIG. 1(c), information for restoring thecompressed image data into the original image data is recorded as headerinformation constituting a part of the image data. The headerinformation includes, for example, information relating to the size ofthe image.

[0072]FIG. 2 illustrates an image reproduction system (apparatus) 10which executes an image reproduction method according to the firstembodiment.

[0073] The image reproduction apparatus (system) 10 automaticallyselects desired image data from among image data recorded in aninformation recording medium 11, and performs reproduction output(printing) of an image represented by the selected image data. In thefirst embodiment, a CF (compact flash-memory card) is used as theinformation recording medium 11. The information recording medium 11 isnot limited to the CF. For example, a floppy disk, a CD-R(CD-recordable), a DVD (digital video disk) or the like may also beused. The image reproduction system (apparatus) 10 includes a datareading unit 12 for reading recorded data, comprising image-reproductioninstruction data and image data, recorded in the information recordingmedium 11, and outputting the recorded data to a bus 16, a systemcontrol unit 15 for controlling the operations of the entire system bycontrolling respective units of the image reproduction system 10, animage reproduction processing unit 14 for receiving image data read bythe data reading unit 12 under the control of the system control unit 15and output to the bus 16, and converting the image data intoreproduction output data for performing reproduction output andoutputting the reproduction output data, and an image reproducing unit13 for receiving the reproduction output data to perform reproductionoutput (printing). The system control unit 15 includes, of course, a CPU(central processing unit), a ROM, a RAM (random access memory) and thelike.

[0074] Next, a description will be provided of the image reproductionsystem (apparatus) 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchartillustrating the operation of the image reproduction system 10. Aprogram represented by the flowchart is set in the RAM, a hard disk orthe like of the system control unit 15 of the image reproduction system10.

[0075] When the image reproduction system 10 has started to operate, forexample, by turning on the power supply, the operational flow is readand executed.

[0076] First, in step 300, it is determined if the information recordingmedium 11 is set in the data reading unit 12. If the result of thedetermination in step 300 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step301, where the leading IMGxxx file from among files recorded in theinformation recording medium 11 shown in FIGS. 1(a)-1(c) is read by thedata reading unit 12. Then, in step 302, it is determined ifimage-reproduction instruction data recorded in the read IMGxxx file isin an on-state. In the first embodiment, the image-reproductioninstruction data is allocated to the leading 1 byte of the IMGxxx file.If the value of the image-reproduction instruction data equals 1 indecimal notation, that indicates an on-state, and other values indicatean off-state.

[0077] At the input side, this data is assigned using input means, suchas a personal computer, a digital camera or the like. This data isrecorded while determining necessity of reproduction during aphotographing operation. The recorded data is read, and is added to animage to be reproduced while confirming necessity of reproduction.Although in the first embodiment, control at the recording side ismainly described, input means for recording an image in a recordingmedium, such as a digital camera, in a format described in the firstembodiment also constitutes, of course, the present invention. In such acase, input control of an image, control of recordingrecording/reproduction instruction data input corresponding to the inputimage in a recording medium in the format described in the firstembodiment, and control of also recording a corresponding recordingcontrol program in the recording medium are also performed.

[0078] Accordingly, by analizing the leading 1-byte data of the IMGxxxfile, the state of the image-reproduction instruction data can be easilyconfirmed. When the image-reproduction instruction data is in anoff-state (not in an on-state), the process proceeds to steps 305 and306. When another IMGxxx file is present, the process returns to step302. When the image-reproduction instruction data is in an on-state, theprocess proceeds to step 303, where, as described above, the imagereproduction processing unit 14 performs image reproduction outputprocessing for image reproduction output (printing) for image datastored in the IMGxxx file to generate image reproduction output data. Instep 304, the generated image reproduction output data is reproduced andoutput by the image reproduction unit 13.

[0079] In the first embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, and theimage reproduction unit 13 uses an ink-jet printer as an imagereproducing device. Accordingly, the image reproduction processing unit14 performs processing of obtaining RGB data by defrosting image datastored as JPEG data, color processing, resolution conversion processing,halftoning processing, and the like. Since each of such processing iswell known, further description thereof will be omitted. Then, in step305, it is determined if the next IMGxxx file is present by accessingthe information recording medium 11. If the result of the determinationin step 305 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 306, where thenext IMGxxx file is read, and the process then returns to step 302. Ifthe result of the determination in step 305 is negative, the operationof the image reproduction system of the first embodiment is terminated.

[0080] As described above, in the image reproduction system of the firstembodiment, desired image data is automatically selected from theinformation recording medium where the data is recorded according to theimage filing method of the first embodiment, and image reproductionoutput is performed. Accordingly, as described in the first embodiment,by executing the image filing method and the image reproducing method ofthe present invention, desired image data recorded in the informationrecording medium can be automatically reproduced and output withoutassigning the desired image using a memo or the like.

[0081] Although in the first embodiment, JPEG data is used as imagedata, image data is not limited to JPEG data. For example, dataconforming to TIFF, PICT or the like may also be used. RAW data may alsobe used. In this case, however, it is necessary to record informationrelating to image reproduction in the information recording mediumtogether with image data. When using data having a format other than theJPEG format, it is only necessary to change processing performed by theimage reproduction processing unit 14 shown in the first embodimentdepending on each image data. The present invention is not limited to aspecific type of image data being used.

[0082] Although in the first embodiment, an ink-jet printer is used asthe image reproducing device, the present invention is not limited tosuch a printer. For example, a sublimation-type thermal printer or asilver-halide-film printer may be used. Alternatively, a soft copydisplay device, such as a CRT (cathode-ray tube), an LCD (liquid-crystaldisplay), a plasma display or the like, may be used. When using such adevice, also, it is only necessary to change processing in the imagereproduction processing unit 14 shown in the first embodiment so as toperform processing corresponding to a printer or a soft copy displaydevice being used. Accordingly, the present invention may use anyappropriate image reproducing device. In the first embodiment,image-reproduction instruction data is recorded in the leading 1-byteregion of the file where the image-reproduction instruction data andimage data are recorded, and the image-reproduction instruction data isin an on-state when the value of the image-reproduction instruction dataequals 1 in decimal notation, and is in an off-state in other cases.However, the present invention is not limited to such an approach. Forexample, image-reproduction instruction data may be recorded in theleading 2-byte region of the file, or in the last 1-byte region of thefile. In the case of image data having an image header, such as JPEGimage data, a partial region of the image header is opened for extensionby the user. In such a case, image-reproduction instruction data may berecorded using a part of the extended region.

[0083] Image-reproduction instruction data is not necessarily in anon-state when its value equal 1, and in an off-state in other cases, asin the first embodiment. Although the position, the size and thecontents of recorded image-reproduction instruction data in the file maybe arbitrary as described above, it is determined whether or not imagedata included within the file is to be reproduced by determining how thecontents of the image-reproduction instruction data correspond topredetermined contents of recording by analyzing recorded data at acorresponding position based on the position and the size of therecorded image-reproduction instruction data in the file. Accordingly,it is only necessary to record image data and image-reproductioninstruction data instructing whether or not the image data is to bereproduced, so that the position, the size, the contents and the orderof recording of recorded image-reproduction instruction data may bearbitrarily set.

[0084] Second Embodiment: Provision of a Particular Mark for the Name ofa Recorded File

[0085] In FIG. 1(b) illustrating the first embodiment, image data andimage-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether or not theimage data is to be reproduced are recorded in a recording file.However, there is a method of executing the present invention byproviding a particular mark for the name of a recording file. FIGS. 4(a)and 4(b) are diagrams illustrating a format of filing images in aninformation recording medium according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention. In the second embodiment, also, as shown in FIG.4(a), the information recording medium is mapped into four independentareas, i.e., a reserved region, a file allocation table region, a rootdirectory region, and a file region. The second embodiment differs fromthe first embodiment in that a file name recorded in a root directoryhas information as image-reproduction instruction data. In the secondembodiment, ‘DP’ is added to the name of image data to be subjected toimage reproduction.

[0086] That is, if the file name is ‘xxxDP’, it indicates that an imagerepresented by image data corresponding to that file name is to bereproduced. If the file name is only ‘xxx’, it indicates that an imagerepresented by image data corresponding to that file name is not to bereproduced. An extender in the name may be used as a specific identifierin order to discriminate between an image to be reproduced and an imagenot to be reproduced.

[0087] The image reproduction system 10 for performing imagereproduction according to the second embodiment has the sameconfiguration as the image reproduction system 10 of the firstembodiment.

[0088] Next, a description will be provided of the image reproductionsystem 10 of the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustratingthe operation of the image reproduction system 10. A program representedby the flowchart is set in the RAM, a hard disk or the like of thesystem control unit 15 of the image reproduction system 10.

[0089] When the image reproduction system 10 has started to operate, forexample, by turning on the power supply, the operation of the flowchartis read and executed.

[0090] First, in step 500, it is determined if the information recordingmedium 11 is set in the data reading unit 12. If the result of thedetermination in step 500 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step501, where the data reading unit 12 refers to the contents of the rootdirectory recorded in the information recording medium 11 to determineif a ‘xxxDP’ file is present. If the result of the determination in step501 is negative, the operation of the second embodiment is terminated.If the result of the determination in step 501 is affirmative, theprocess proceeds to step 502, where the leading ‘xxxDP’ file in the fileregion is read (see FIG. 4(b).

[0091] Then, the image reproduction processing unit 14 performs imagereproduction output processing for image reproduction output (printing)for image data stored in the ‘xxxDP’ file to generate image reproductionoutput data. In step 504, the generated image reproduction output datais reproduced and output by the image reproduction unit 13. In thesecond embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, and the imagereproduction unit 13 uses an ink-jet printer as an image reproducingdevice. Accordingly, the image reproduction processing unit 14 performsprocessing of obtaining RGB data by defrosting image data stored as JPEGdata, color processing, resolution conversion processing, halftoningprocessing, and the like.

[0092] Then, in step 505, it is determined if the next ‘xxxDP’ file ispresent by accessing the information recording medium 11. If the resultof the determination in step 505 is affirmative, the process proceeds tostep 506, where the next IMGxxx file is read, and the process thenreturns to step 503. If the result of the determination in step 505 isnegative, the operation of the image reproduction system of the secondembodiment is terminated.

[0093] As described above, in the image reproduction system of thesecond embodiment, desired image data is automatically selected from theinformation recording medium where the data is recorded according to theimage filing method of the second embodiment, and image reproductionoutput is performed. Accordingly, as described in the second embodiment,by executing the image filing method and the image reproducing method ofthe present invention, desired image data recorded in the informationrecording medium can be automatically reproduced and output withoutassigning the desired image using a memo or the like.

[0094] Although in the second embodiment, also, JPEG data is used asimage data, image data is not limited to JPEG data. For example, dataconforming to TIFF, PICT or the like may also be used. RAW data may alsobe used. In this case, however, it is necessary to record informationrelating to image reproduction in the information recording mediumtogether with image data. When using data having a format other than theJPEG format, it is only necessary to change processing performed by theimage reproduction processing unit 14 shown in the second embodimentdepending on each image data. The present invention is not limited to aspecific type of image data being used.

[0095] Although in the second embodiment, also, an ink-jet printer isused as the image reproducing device, the present invention is notlimited to such a printer. For example, a sublimation-type thermalprinter or a silver-halide-film printer may be used. Alternatively, asoft copy display device, such as a CRT, an LCD, a plasma display or thelike, may be used. When using such a device, also, it is only necessaryto change processing in the image reproduction processing unit 14 shownin the second embodiment so as to perform processing corresponding to aprinter or a soft copy display device being used. Accordingly, thepresent invention may use any appropriate image reproducing device.

[0096] In the second embodiment, ‘DP’ is added to the name of image datato be subjected to image reproduction, in order to indicate that animage of that file is to be reproduced. However, the present inventionis not limited to such an approach. It is only necessary that a filename recorded in the root directory has information asimage-reproduction instruction data. Accordingly, the present inventionmay be easily executed even if any other name or mark is used.

[0097] As described above, the image reproduction system of the presentinvention checks the feature of a file name which may be arbitrarilydetermined in advance, and determines if that feature corresponds to apredetermined feature, to determine whether or not image data includedin that file is to be reproduced. Accordingly, it is only necessary torecord a feature indicating image-reproduction instruction data in afile name, so that the feature used, i.e., a name, a mark, a symbol orthe like may be arbitrarily set.

[0098] Third embodiment: Provision of a File Storing a File Name WhereImage Data to be Subjected to Image Reproduction is Present Within aFile Region

[0099] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed.

[0100] FIGS. 6(a)-6(c) are diagrams illustrating a format of filingimages in an information recording medium according to the thirdembodiment. In the third embodiment, also, as shown in FIG. 6(a), theinformation recording medium is mapped into four independent areas,i.e., a reserved region, a file allocation table region, a rootdirectory region, and a file region.

[0101] The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment mainly inthat two kinds of files are recorded in the file region. One is a filehaving an image-data file to be subjected to image reproduction as thecontents of recording. In the third embodiment, the name of such a fileis represented by ‘DPFxxx’ (see FIG. 6(c)). Another is a file havingimage data itself as the contents of recording. In the third embodiment,the name of such a file is represented by ‘IMGxxx’. Thus, a file namehaving image data to be subjected to image reproduction is recorded inthe ‘DPFxxx’ file.

[0102] The image reproduction system 10 for performing imagereproduction according to the third embodiment has the sameconfiguration as the image reproduction system 10 of the secondembodiment.

[0103] Next, a description will be provided of the image reproductionsystem 10 of the third embodiment.

[0104]FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the imagereproduction system 10. A program represented by the flowchart is set inthe RAM, a hard disk or the like of the system control unit 15 of theimage reproduction system 10.

[0105] When the image reproduction system 10 has started to operate, forexample, by turning on the power supply, the operation of the flowchartis read and executed.

[0106] First, in step 700, it is determined if the information recordingmedium 11 is set in the data reading unit 12. If the result of thedetermination in step 700 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step701, where the data reading unit 12 refers to the contents of the rootdirectory recorded in the information recording medium 11 to determineif a ‘DPFxxx’ file is present. If the result of the determination instep 701 is negative, the operation of the third embodiment isterminated.

[0107] If the result of the determination in step 701 is affirmative,the process proceeds to step 702, where the leading ‘DPFxxx’ file in thefile region is read (see FIG. 6(c)). Then, in step 703, the first filename ‘IMGxxx’ stored in the read ‘DPFxxx’ file is read. Then, in step704, image data corresponding to the ‘IMGxxx’ file read in step 703 (seeFIG. 6(b)) is read. Then, in step 705, the image reproduction processingunit 14 performs image reproduction output processing for imagereproduction output (printing) He for the image data read in step 704 togenerate image reproduction output data. In step 706, the generatedimage reproduction output data is reproduced and output by the imagereproduction unit 13.

[0108] In the third embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, and theimage reproduction unit 13 uses an ink-jet printer as an imagereproducing device. Accordingly, the image reproduction processing unit14 performs processing of obtaining RGB data by defrosting image datastored as JPEG data, color processing, resolution conversion processing,halftoning processing, and the like.

[0109] Then, in step 707, it is determined if the next ‘IMGxxx’ file ispresent in the ‘DPFxxx’ file currently being accessed (see FIG. 6(c)).If the result of the determination in step 707 is affirmative, theprocess proceeds to step 708, where the next IMGxxx file is read, andthe process then returns to step 704. If the result of the determinationin step 707 is negative, the process proceeds to step 709, where it isdetermined if another ‘DPFxxx’ file is present by accessing theinformation recording medium 11.

[0110] If the result of the determination in step 709 is affirmative,the process proceeds to step 710, where the next ‘DPFxxx’ file is read,and the process then returns to step 703. If the result of thedetermination in step 709 is negative, the operation of the imagereproduction system of the third embodiment is terminated.

[0111] As described above, in the image reproduction system of the thirdembodiment, desired image data is automatically selected from theinformation recording medium where the data is recorded according to theimage filing method of the third embodiment, and image reproductionoutput is performed. Accordingly, as described in the third embodiment,by executing the image filing method and the image reproducing method ofthe present invention, desired image data recorded in the informationrecording medium can be automatically reproduced and output withoutassigning the desired image using a memo or the like.

[0112] Although in the third embodiment, also, JPEG data is used asimage data, image data is not limited to JPEG data. For example, dataconforming to TIFF, PICT or the like may also be used. RAW data may alsobe used. In this case, however, it is necessary to record informationrelating to image reproduction in the information recording mediumtogether with image data. When using data having a format other than theJPEG format, it is only necessary to change processing performed by theimage reproduction processing unit 14 shown in the third embodimentdepending on each image data. The present invention is not limited to aspecific type of image data being used.

[0113] Although in the third embodiment, also, an ink-jet printer isused as the image reproducing device, the present invention is notlimited to such a printer. For example, a sublimation-type thermalprinter or a silver-halide-film printer may be used. Alternatively, asoft copy display device, such as a CRT, an LCD, a plasma display or thelike, may be used. When using such a device, also, it is only necessaryto change processing in the image reproduction processing unit 14 shownin the third embodiment so as to perform processing corresponding to aprinter or a soft copy display device being used. Accordingly, thepresent invention may use any appropriate image reproducing device.

[0114] In the third embodiment, two kinds of files are recorded in thefile region. One is a file having image data file to be subjected toimage reproduction as the contents of recording, and another is a filehaving image data itself as the contents of recording, having file namesof ‘DPFxxx’ and ‘IMGxxx’, respectively. In the present invention, thefile names are limited to such names, but any file names may be adopedprovided that the two kinds of files can be identified.

[0115] As described above, the image reproduction system of the presentinvention checks the feature of a file name which may be arbitrarilydetermined in advance, and determines if that feature corresponds to apredetermined feature, to determine whether the contents of that fileindicate image data or a file name to be subjected to imagereproduction. By selectively accessing a file where the file name to besubjected to image reproduction is stored, the file name stored in thatfile is read, the file corresponding to that file name is read, andimage reproduction is performed for image data stored in that file.

[0116] Although in the third embodiment, a file name is used as meansfor discriminating a image-reproduction instruction data file storing afile name to be subjected to image reproduction, the present inventionis not limited to such an approach.

[0117] For example, a file format shown in FIGS. 8(a)-8(c) may be usedas an image filing method for executing the present invention. As isapparent from FIG. 8(a), in this case, an image-reproduction instructiondata file is stored at the leading position of the file region as aparticular file. This information is recorded in the root directory andis referred to. That is, when executing the present invention in thismanner, the leading file of the file region of the information recordingmedium corresponds to the image reproduction instruction data file.Hence, in the image reading method of the present invention, by readinginformation recorded in the leading file of the file region of theinformation recording medium, a recorded file including image data to besubjected to image reproduction can be easily selected. Furthermore, bypreparing a file region dedicated for an image-reproduction instructiondata file and recording that data file in the root directory, it is alsopossible to selectively access the image-reproduction instruction datafile. Accordingly, in such a case, also, the present invention can beexecuted. In this case, although a flowchart is omitted, theimage-reproduction instruction data file shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(c)may be searched for instead of the DPFxxx file shown in step 703 in FIG.7, and image data represented by IMGxxx shown in FIG. 8(b) may beaccessed whenever necessary.

[0118] As described above, in the image reproduction system andapparatus of the present invention, by analizing recorded data at acorresponding position based on the position and the size ofpredetermined image-reproduction instruction data in the informationrecording medium, and determining how the contents of that datacorrespond to predetermined contents of recording, it is determinedwhether or not image data recorded in the information recording mediumis to be reproduced. Accordingly, the image output operation executed inthe image reproduction system and apparatus differs in each of theembodiments in accordance with the data recording format of theinformation recording medium. In each of the above-describedembodiments, a program represented by an operational flow correspondingto a recording format used in the embodiment is set in the RAM or thehard disk of the system control unit 15 of the image reproduction system10.

[0119] Dealing With Multiple Formats

[0120] The present invention is not limited to the configurations of theabove-described embodiments. For example, an operational flow can be setor reset within an image reproduction system utilizing an informationrecording medium or a communication network. FIG. 10 illustrates anoperational flow in such a case. The program represented by thisoperational flow is set in the RAM or the hard disk of the systemcontrol unit 15 of the image reproduction system 10.

[0121] When the image reproduction system 10 starts, for example, byturning on the power supply, the program represented by this operationalflow is read and executed. In this case, an image file is stored in aformat corresponding to the stored program. That is, when a plurality ofkinds of main formats are present in a state in which standards are notunified, and a medium in which data is recorded with a certain format isloaded, it is possible to perform processing appropriate for that formatirrespective of the format. For example, when formats shown in FIGS.1(a)-1(c), 4(a) and 4(b), 6(a)-6(c), and 8(a)-8(c) are present, one ofthe flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7 (the flowchart corresponding toFIGS. 8(a)-8(c) is omitted) corresponding to the format is stored in PRGshown in FIG. 9(a).

[0122] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 10. First, in step 1001, it isdetermined if the information recording medium 11 is set in the datareading unit 12. If the result of the determination in step 1001 isaffirmative, the process proceeds to step 1002, where it is determinedif an image output control program PRG is stored in the set informationrecording medium 11 (see FIG. 9(a)). If the result of the determinationin step 1002 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 1003, wherethe image output control program PRG is set within the system controlunit 15 of the system.

[0123] If the result of the determination in step 1002 is negative, theprocess proceeds to step 1004, where the system performs an operation inaccordance with an image output control program set in the systemcontrol unit 15 of the system (a default program, for example, one ofthe programs represented by the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7 maybe used). Upon completion of a series of operations, the process returnsto this operational flow. Then, in step 1005, the set informationrecording medium 11 is discharged to terminate the process.

[0124] In order to execute the fourth embodiment, an image outputcontrol program must be recorded in the information recording medium 11.FIGS. 9(a)-9(c) illustrate an image recording medium format of theinformation recording medium 11. The image output control program isrecorded in the file region in the name of PRG.

[0125] In the fourth embodiment, by confirming if the file having thatname is present, it is confirmed that the image output control programis stored in the information recording medium. As described above, ifthe type of a program corresponds to a format, the type of a program(for example, one of the programs shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7) and thetype of the format corresponding to the program (for example, one offormats shown in FIGS. 1(a)-1(c), 4(a) and 4(b), 6(a)-6(c), and8(a)-8(c)) are identified according to the name of the program. In thepresent invention, it is only necessary to store an image output controlprogram in the information recording medium 11, and to provide the imagereproduction system and apparatus with means for accessing the program.For example, if the above-described file is present at a determinedposition, and that position is set in the image reproduction system andapparatus of the present invention, it is also possible to access theimage output control program of the information recording medium basedon that information. Hence, the present invention is not limited to themethod of the fourth embodiment.

[0126] Direct Access to a Program

[0127] In the fourth embodiment, when an image output control program isstored in an information recording medium, image output control isperformed by first storing the image output control program in thememory or the like of the system control unit of the image reproductionsystem. However, the present invention is not limited to such anapproach. For example, it is also possible to output an image byperforming image output control by directly accessing the program storedin the information recording medium. FIG. 11 illustrates an operationalflow in such a case. The operation of this case is substantially thesame as in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, except performingdirect access to the image output program stored in the informationrecording medium. Hence, further description thereof will be omitted. Instep 1103, output control is performed based on a program stored in themedium. If the program is not stored in the medium as a result ofdetermination in step 1102, the process proceeds to step 1104, whereoutput control is performed based on an image output program stored inthe apparatus.

[0128] Provision of a Plurality of Slots

[0129]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an imagereproduction system (apparatus) according to a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention. The basic configuration of the apparatus is the sameas the configuration in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2. In thefifth embodiment, slots, each for an information recording medium, isprovided in the data reading unit. One of the slots is for aninformation recording medium for recording image data andinformation-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether or notthe image data is to be reproduced, as in the first embodiment. Anotherslot is for a medium storing a program for controlling an image outputoperation of the image reproduction system of the invention.

[0130]FIG. 12 illustrates the operational flow of the fifth embodiment.This operational program is set in the RAM, the hard disk or the like ofthe system control unit of the image reproduction system.

[0131] When the image reproduction system has started, for example, byturning on the power supply, the operational flow is read and executed.

[0132] First, in step 1200, it is determined if the informationrecording medium 11 is mounted in a slot. If the result of thedetermination in step 1200 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step1201, where it is determined if the information recording medium 11 isset in the slot for program of the data reading unit. If the result ofthe determination in step 1201 is affirmative, the process proceeds tostep 1202, where it is determined if an image output control program ispresent in the information recording medium 11. If the result of thedetermination in step 1202 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step1203, where the image reproduction system is controlled by the imageoutput control program stored in the information recording medium 11, toexecute image output. If the result of the determination in step 1201 or1202 is negative, it may be determined that only a recording medium forimage data is set on another slot for image data, or that a medium forimage data is erroneously set in the slot for a program, and the processproceeds to step 1204, where the image reproduction system is controlledby an image output control program stored in the system in advance, toexecute image output. Then, the process is terminated. When both amedium for a program and a medium for image data are mounted in thecorresponding slots, image reproduction processing is, of course,selectively performed based on image-reproduction instruction datastored in the set medium for image data in the above-described manner,based on the program.

[0133] Example of Image Reproduction System

[0134] Next, a description will be provided of the structure of aprinter of the image reproduction system to which any one of theembodiments can be applied.

[0135] The configurations of a laser-beam printer and an ink-jet printerto which any one of the embodiments can be applied will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, respectively. The printer to whichany one of the embodiments is applied is not limited to a laser-beamprinter or an ink-jet printer, but any other appropriate printer may, ofcourse, be adopted.

[0136]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configurationof a first recording apparatus to which the present invention can beapplied, for example, a laser-beam printer (LBP).

[0137] In FIG. 14, a main body 1500 of the LBP (printer) receives andstores printing information (character codes or the like), forminformation, a macrocommand or the like supplied from a host computerconnected to the printer, forms character patterns, a form pattern orthe like in accordance with the information, and forms an image onrecording paper, serving as a recording medium. A printer control unit1000 controls the entirety of the LBP main body 1500 and analyzescharacter information or the like supplied from the host computer. Theprinter control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into avideo signal representing corresponding character patterns, and outputsthe video signal to a laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is acircuit for driving a semiconductor laser 1503, and performs on-offswitching of a laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503in accordance with the input video signal. The laser beam 1504 isdeflected in a direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 14 by arotating polygonal mirror 1505 to scan and expose an electrostatic drum1506. An electrostatic latent image of the character patterns is therebyformed on the electrostatic drum 1506. The electrostatic latent image isdeveloped by a developing unit 1507 disposed around the electrostaticdrum 1506, and the developed image is transferred onto recording paper.A cut sheet is used as the recording paper. Cut sheets of the recordingpaper are accommodated in a sheet cassette 1508 mounted in the LBP mainbody 1500, and is supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506 by beingreceived into the printer by a sheet feeding roller 1509 and conveyingrollers 1510 and 1511. A color image may also be obtained according tothe same configuration.

[0138]FIG. 15 is an external-appearance diagram illustrating theconfiguration of a second recording apparatus to which the presentinvention can be applied, for example, an ink-jet recording apparatus(IJRA).

[0139] In FIG. 15, a carriage HC engaging with a helical groove 5004 ofa lead screw 5005 rotated in a state of being linked withforward/reverse revolutions of a driving motor 5013 via driving-forcetransmission gears 5011 and 5009 has a pin (not shown), and isreciprocated in directions of arrows a and b via a guide rail 5003. Anink-jet cartridge IJC including an ink tank IT and an ink-jet head IJHis mounted on the carriage HC. A sheet pressing plate 5002 presses asheet against a platen 5000 along the carriage moving direction. Thehead can also output a color image. Driving is not limited to a specificmethod. For example, a piezoelectric method, an air flow method, asublimation-method or the like may be adopted.

[0140] A photocoupler 5007, 5008 operates as home-position detectionmeans for confirming presence of a carriage lever 5006 in this region,and performing, for example, switching of the direction of revolution ofthe driving motor 5013. Reference numeral 5016 represents a member whichoperates a cap member 5022 for capping the entire surface of therecording head. Reference numeral 5015 represents suction means forsucking the inside of the cap. The suction means 5015 performs suctionrecovery of the recording head via an opening 5023 provided in the cap.A cleaning blade 5017 is movable in forward and reverse directions by amember 5019. A main-body supporting plate 5018 supports the cleaningblade 5017 and the member 5019. A lever 5012 for starting suction ofsuction recovery is moved in accordance with the movement of a cam 5020engaging the carriage. The driving force from the driving motor 5013 issubjected to movement control by known transmission means, such asclutch switching or the like.

[0141] For each of these capping, cleaning and suction recovery, desiredprocessing can be performed at a corresponding position by the functionof the lead screw 5005 when the carriage reaches the home position sideregion. It is only necessary to perform a desired operation at awell-known timing.

[0142] Sixth Embodiment

[0143] Next, a description will be provided of a sixth embodiment of thepresent invention in which the present invention is further improved.

[0144] An image reproduction method, and an image reproduction systemand apparatus according to the sixth embodiment will now be described indetail with reference to the drawings. The sixth embodiment has thefeature that the apparatus includes display means for displayingimage-reproduction instruction data and image data, and that the displaymeans displays a summary, or a mark indicating whether or not thedisplayed image is an image to be reproduced, or whether or not allimages to be reproduced can be output based on the number of imagesoutputtable by the apparatus.

[0145]FIG. 16 illustrates an image reproduction system (apparatus) 10which executes an image reproduction method according to the sixthembodiment. This image reproduction apparatus (system) 10 automaticallyselects desired image data from among image data recorded in aninformation recording medium 11, and performs reproduction output(printing) of an image represented by the selected image data. In thefifth embodiment, a CF is used as the information recording medium 11.The information recording medium 11 is not limited to the CF. Forexample, a floppy disk or the like may also be used. The imagereproduction system (apparatus) 10 includes a data reading unit 12 forreading recorded data, comprising image-reproduction instruction dataand image data, recorded in the information recording medium 11, andoutputting the recorded data to a bus 16, a system control unit 15 forcontrolling the operations of the entire system by controllingrespective units of the image reproduction system 10, an imagereproduction processing unit 14 for receiving image data read by thedata reading unit 12 under the control of the system control unit 15 andoutput to the bus 16, and converting the image data into reproductionoutput data for performing reproduction output and outputting thereproduction output data, an image reproducing unit 13 for receiving thereproduction output data to perform reproduction output (printing), adata processing unit 170 for analyzing the contents ofimage-reproduction instruction data by selectively accessing that data,and a data display unit 180 for displaying a summary of images to bereproduced in accordance with the result of the data processing unit170. In the sixth embodiment, a thumbnail image is displayed on the datadisplay unit 180. However, the present invention is not limited to sucha display. For example, the name of each image file may be displayed.

[0146] FIGS. 17(a)-17(c) illustrate a format of filing images in aninformation recording medium according to the sixth embodiment.

[0147] In the sixth embodiment, the information recording medium ismapped into four independent areas, i.e., a reserved region, a fileallocation table region, a root directory region, and a file region. Inthe reserved region, the number of entries within a root directory, thesize of the reserved region, and the size of a file allocation table(FAT) in the information recording medium are recorded.

[0148] In the file allocation table, the state of use of an informationrecording medium space in the file region of the information recordingmedium is recorded. In a root directory, directory-entry informationindicating information relating to the name, the size, the position andthe like of each file recorded in the information recording medium isrecorded. In the file region, actual image data and image-reproductioninstruction data are recorded.

[0149] In the sixth embodiment, at least two kinds of files are used asfiles to be recorded in the file region. One is a file having image dataitself as the contents of recording. In the sixth embodiment, a filehaving a format of JPEG data is used. For the convenience ofexplanation, such a file is hereinafter named ‘XXX.JPG’. The file nameis not limited to this format, but any other appropriate format may beadopted provided that image files can be classified.

[0150] In the JPEG format, original image data is recorded by beingcompressed. Information for restoring the compressed image data into theoriginal image data is recorded as header information constituting apart of the image data. The header information includes, for example,information relating to the size of the image.

[0151] Another file is a file having an image data file to be subjectedto image reproduction and additional information relating to the file asthe contents of recording. In the sixth embodiment, such a file is named‘AUTOPRINT.MRK’.

[0152]FIG. 18 illustrates an example of the contents of recording of‘AUTOPRINT.MRK’.

[0153] <PRE>

[0154] CIFF_VERSION=1.00 is header information of the file.

[0155] The image data file to be subjected to image reproduction isrepresented by providing the following tag:

[0156] <IMG SRC=“XXX.JPG”>.

[0157] The data file to be subjected to image reproduction is indicatedwithin parentheses < >.

[0158] CIFF_PRINT_COUNT=1 is an example of a tag indicating additionalinformation, and indicates, in the sixth embodiment, the number ofprints of the image reproduction data file indicated immediately beforethe tag.

[0159] Accordingly, by checking the contents of recording ofAUTOPRINT.MRK, the image data file to be subjected to image reproductionand the total number of images to be reproduced can be obtained.

[0160] For example, as for the ‘AUTOPRINT.MRK’ shown in FIG. 18, imagefiles to be subjected to image reproduction are ‘AOO,JPG’ and ‘A03.JPG’,and the total number of images to be reproduced is 3.

[0161] This file is edited using input means of a personal computer or adigital camera. This file is edited by determining whether an image isto be reproduced during a photographing operation, and also, forexample, when reading recorded data and adding the read data to an imageto be reproduced while confirming necessity of reproduction of the data.

[0162] Next, a description will be provided of the operation of theimage reproduction system (apparatus) 10 of the sixth embodiment.

[0163]FIG. 19 illustrates the operational flow of the image reproductionsystem 10 of the sixth embodiment. The program represented by theoperational flow is set in a RAM, a hard disk or the like of the systemcontrol unit 15 of the image reproduction system 10.

[0164] When the image reproduction system 10 has started, for example,by turning on the power supply, the operational flow is read andexecuted.

[0165] First, in step 301, it is determined if the information recordingmedium 11 is set in the data reading unit 12. If the result of thedetermination in step 301 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step302, where it is determined if an image to be reproduced is to beconfirmed. This determination is provided in advance using a switch ofthe user interface. If the result of the determination in step 302 isaffirmative, the process proceeds to step 310. If ther result of thedetermination in step 302 is negative, the process proceeds to step 303.

[0166] First, the case of proceeding to step 310 will be describedfollowed by description of the case of proceeding to step 303.

[0167] In step 310, the data reading unit 12 reads an AUTOPRINT.MRK filefrom among files recorded in the information recording medium 11. Thecontents of the read file are sequentially transferred to the dataprocessing unit 170 to be analyzed. In step 311, the end of the file isconfirmed. When the end of the file is not confirmed, the contents ofthe file are continued to be analyzed, and in step 312, it is determinedif TAG″<IMG″ is present. If the result of the determination in step 312is negative, the process returns to step 311, where analysis of thecontents of the file is continued while confirming the end of the file.If the result of the determination in step 312 is affirmative, theprocess proceeds to step 313, where the name of the image file to besubjected to image reproduction “XXX.JGP” is read from the contents ofthe file SRC=“XXX.JPG” recorded after the TAG″<IMG″.

[0168] In step 314, image data to be displayed corresponding to theimage file to be subjected to image reproduction is read based on theread name of the image file to be subjected to image reproduction, andis displayed on the data display unit 180. In the sixth embodiment, dataprepared in advance as a thumbnail image is used as image data to bedisplayed.

[0169] In the sixth embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data fordisplay, and the data display unit 180 uses a CRT as the image displaydevice. Accordingly, the data processing unit 170 performs processing ofobtaining RGB data by defrosting image data for display stored as JPEGdata, color processing, resolution conversion processing, and the like.

[0170] When data display has been performed, the process returns to step311, where the system continues analysis of the contents of theAUTOPRINT.MRK file while confirming the end of the file.

[0171] Until the end of the file is confirmed, the analysis of thecontents is performed by executing the processes of steps 311, 312, 313and 314.

[0172] The image files to be subjected to image reproduction aresequentially added to the data display unit 180 to be displayed thereon,and a summary of images are displayed. FIGS. 24(a)-24(c) are examples ofsuch display.

[0173] When the end of the file has been confirmed in step 311, theprocess proceeds to step 315, where it is determined if the confirmedimage is to be displayed. This determination is provided using a switchof the user interface. If the result of the determination in step 315 isaffirmative, the process proceeds to step 303, where image reproductionis performed. If the result of the determination in step 315 isnegative, the process is terminated.

[0174] Next, a description will be provided of the case of proceeding tostep 303 and performing image reproduction.

[0175] In step 303, the data reading unit 12 reads an AUTOPRINT.MRK filefrom among files recorded in the information recording medium 11. Thecontents of the read file are sequentially transferred to the dataprocessing unit 170 to be analyzed. In step 304, the end of the file isconfirmed. When the end of the file is not confirmed, the contents ofthe file are continued to be analyzed, and in step 305, it is determinedif TAG″<IMG″ is present. If the result of the determination in step 305is negative, the process returns to step 304, where the analysis of thecontents of the file is continued while confirming the end of the file.If the result of the determination in step 305 is affirmative, theprocess proceeds to step 306, where the name of the image file to besubjected to image reproduction “XXX.JGP” is read from the contents ofthe file SRC=“XXX.JPG” recorded after the TAG″<IMG″.

[0176] In step 307, image data stored in the image file to be subjectedto image reproduction is read based on the read name of the image fileto be subjected to image reproduction. In step 308, the imagereproduction processing unit 14 executes image reproduction outputprocessing for image reproduction output (printing), to generate imagereproduction output data. The generated image reproduction output datais subjected to reproduction output (printing) by the image reproducingunit 13.

[0177] In the sixth embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, and thedata reproducing unit 13 uses an ink-jet printer as the imagereproducing device. Accordingly, the image reproduction processing unit14 performs processing of obtaining RGB data by defrosting image datastored as JPEG data, color processing, resolution conversion processing,halftoning processing, and the like.

[0178] When image reproduction output (printing) has been performed, theprocess returns to step 304, where the system continues the analysis ofthe contents of the AUTOPRINT.MRK file while confirming the end of thefile.

[0179] Until the end of the file is confirmed, the analysis of thecontents is performed by executing the processes of steps 304, 305, 306,307, 308 and 309.

[0180] When the end of the file has been confirmed in step 304, thesystem terminates its operation.

[0181] As described above, in the image reproduction system of the sixthembodiment, desired image data is automatically selected from theinformation recording medium where the data is recorded according to theimage filing method of the sixth embodiment, and image reproductionoutput is performed. Accordingly, as described in the sixth embodiment,by executing the image filing method and the image reproducing method ofthe present invention, desired image data recorded in the informationrecording medium can be automatically reproduced and output withoutassigning the desired image using a memo or the like.

[0182] Furthermore, since means for confirming an image to be reproducedis provided, it is possible to easily confirm the image to be reproducedby the user's instruction before automatically performing imagereproduction.

[0183] Although in the sixth embodiment, JPEG data is used as image dataand image data for display, image data is not limited to JPEG data. Forexample, data conforming to TIFF, PICT or the like may also be used. RAWdata may also be used. In this case, however, it is necessary to recordinformation relating to image reproduction in the information recordingmedium together with image data. When using data having a format otherthan the JPEG format, it is only necessary to change processingperformed by the image reproduction processing unit 14 and the dataprocessing unit 170 shown in the sixth embodiment depending on eachimage data. The present invention is not limited to a specific type ofimage data being used.

[0184] Although in the sixth embodiment, an ink-jet printer is used asthe image reproducing device, the present invention is not limited tosuch a printer. For example, a sublimation-type thermal printer or asilver-halide-film printer may be used. Although a CRT is used as thedata display device, the present invention is not limited to such adevice. For example, an LCD, a plasma display, an LED display, or anyother printer may be used. When using such a device, also, it is onlynecessary to change processing in the image reproduction processing unit14 and the data processing unit 170 shown in the sixth embodiment so asto perform processing corresponding to a printer or a soft copy displaydevice being used. Accordingly, the present invention may use anyappropriate image reproducing device and data display device.

[0185] In the image reproduction system of the present invention, byanalizing recorded data at a corresponding position based on theposition and the size of image-reproduction instruction data in a file,and determining how the contents of the data correspond to predeterminedcontents of recording, it is determined whether or not image datarecorded in the file is to be reproduced. Accordingly, it is onlynecessary that image data and image-reproduction instruction data forinstructing whether or not the image data is to be reproduced arerecorded in the file. There is no limitation in the position, the size,the contents, the order and the like of recording.

[0186] Seventh Embodiment

[0187] In the above-described sixth embodiment, a description has beenprovided of the case of displaying a summary of information relating toan image to be reproduced on a data display unit in order to confirm theimage before reproducing the image in an image reproduction system andapparatus for automatically reproducing image data recorded in aninformation recording medium.

[0188] In order to confirm an image to be displayed, informationrelating to image data recorded in the information recording medium (maybe the corresponding image itself, the name of the image file, thenumber of the file, or the like) may be displayed, and whether or notthe image is to be reproduced may also be displayed at that time.

[0189] A description will now be provided of such an approach accordingto a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0190] An image reproduction system according to the seventh embodimenthas the same configuration as the image reproduction system of the sixthembodiment.

[0191] The operation of the image reproduction system 10 in the seventhembodiment will now be described.

[0192]FIG. 20 illustrates the operational flow of the image reproductionsystem 10 of the seventh embodiment.

[0193] A part of the operational flow of the seventh embodiment is thesame as the operational flow shown in FIG. 19. Since processes havingthe same step numbers as in FIG. 19 perform the same operations, afurther description thereof will be omitted.

[0194] The seventh embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment mainlyin the operational flow of confirming an image to be reproduced. Hence,the operational flow of such a portion will be particularly described.As for the operational flow which is not described in the seventhembodiment, refer to the foregoing description.

[0195] This operational flow is set in the RAM, the hard disk or thelike of the system control unit 15 of the image reproduction system 10.

[0196] When the image reproduction system 10 has started, for example,by turning on the power supply, the operational flow is read andexecuted.

[0197] First, in step 301, it is determined if the information recordingmedium 11 is set in the data reading unit 12. If the result of thedetermination in step 301 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step302, where it is determined if an image to be reproduced is to beconfirmed. This determination is provided in advance using a switch ofthe user interface. If the result of the determination in step 302 isaffirmative, the process proceeds to step 501. If the result of thedetermination in step 302 is negative, the process proceeds to step 303.

[0198] In step 303, image data is reproduced from the informationrecording medium in accordance with the contents described in anAUTOPRINT.MRK file. This operational flow is the same as in the sixthembodiment.

[0199] A description will now be provided of the case of proceeding tostep 501.

[0200] In step 501, he first image data in the information recordingmedium is read. Then, in step 502, the data processing unit 170 performsprocessing for data display. Then, in step 503, the image data isdisplayed on the data display unit 180.

[0201] In the seventh embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, andthe data display unit 180 uses a CRT as the image display device.Accordingly, the data processing unit 170 performs processing ofobtaining RGB data by defrosting image data stored as JPEG data, colorprocessing, resolution conversion processing, and the like.

[0202] Next, in step 504, the file name of the image data displayed onthe data display unit 180 is read.

[0203] Then, in step 505, the data reading unit 12 reads anAUTOPRINT.MRK file from among files recorded in the informationrecording medium 11. The contents of the read file are sequentiallytransferred to the data processing unit 170 to be analyzed. In step 506,the end of the file is confirmed. When the end of the file has beenconfirmed, the process proceeds to step 511. The operation starting fromstep 511 will be described later.

[0204] When the end of the file is not confirmed, the contents of thefile are continued to be analyzed, and in step 507, it is determined ifTAG″<IMG″ is present. If the result of the determination in step 507 isnegative, the process returns to step 506, where the analysis of thecontents of the file is continued while confirming the end of the file.If the result of the determination in step 507 is affirmative, theprocess proceeds to step 508, where the name of the image file to besubjected to image reproduction “XXX.JGP” is read from the contents ofthe file SRC=“XXX.JPG”> recorded after the TAG″<IMG″.

[0205] In step 509, it is determined if the name of the read image fileto be subjected to image reproduction coincides with the name of theimage data file currently being displayed. If the result of thedetermination in step 509 is negative, the process returns to step 506,where the analysis of the contents of the file is continued whileconfirming the end of the file. If the result of the determination instep 509 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 510, where areproduction mark indicating that the image currently being displayedrepresents image data to be subjected to reproduction output (printing)is provided. FIGS. 24(a)-24(c) illustrate examples of display on thedisplay unit 180 in the seventh embodiment. In FIGS. 24(b) and 24(c), amark “P” shown at a lower right portion of each frame indicates that thecorresponding image is an image to be reproduced. Each of FIGS. 24(a)and 24(c) also illustrates an example of a summary.

[0206] Then, the process proceeds to step 511, where it is determined ifa displayed-image changing button has been depressed. If the result ofthe determination in step 511 is affirmative, the process proceeds tostep 512, where the next image data is read from the informationrecording medium. Then, the process returns to step 502, where imagedisplay processing is performed, and the above-described processes areagain performed in accordance with the flow.

[0207] If the result of the determination in step 511 is negative, theprocess proceeds to step 513, where it is determined if theimage-to-be-displayed confirmation end button has been depressed. If theresult of the determination in step 513 is affirmative, the operation ofconfirming the image to be reproduced is terminated, and the processproceeds to step 315. If the result of the determination in step 513 isnegative, the process returns to step 511, where it is determined if thedisplayed-image changing button has been depressed, and theabove-described processes are repeated.

[0208] In step 315, it is determined if an image is to be reproduced.This determination is provided using a switch of the user interface. Ifthe result of the determination in step 315 is affirmative, the processproceeds to step 303, where image reproduction is performed. If theresult of the determination in step 315 is negative, the systemterminates the operation.

[0209] Next, a description will be provided of the case of proceeding tostep 303 and performing image reproduction.

[0210] In step 303, the data reading unit 12 reads an AUTOPRINT.MRK filefrom among files recorded in the information recording medium 11. Thecontents of the read file are sequentially transferred to the dataprocessing unit 170 to be analyzed. In step 304, the end of the file isconfirmed. When the end of the file is not confirmed, the contents ofthe file are continued to be analyzed, and in step 305, it is determinedif TAG″<IMG″ is present. If the result of the determination in step 305is negative, the process returns to step 304, where the analysis of thecontents of the file is continued while confirming the end of the file.If the result of the determination in step 305 is affirmative, theprocess proceeds to step 306, where the name of the image file to besubjected to image reproduction “XXX.JGP” is read from the contents ofthe file SRC “XXX.JPG” recorded after the TAG″<IMG″.

[0211] In step 307, image data stored in the image file to be subjectedto image reproduction is read based on the read name of the image fileto be subjected to image reproduction. In step 308, the imagereproduction processing unit 14 executes image reproduction outputprocessing for image reproduction output (printing), to generate imagereproduction output data. The generated image reproduction output datais subjected to reproduction output (printing) by the image reproducingunit 13.

[0212] In the seventh embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, andthe data reproducing unit 13 uses an ink-jet printer as the imagereproducing device. Accordingly, the image reproduction processing unit14 performs processing of obtaining RGB data by defrosting image datastored as JPEG data, color processing, resolution conversion processing,halftoning processing, and the like.

[0213] When image reproduction output (printing) has been performed, theprocess returns to step 304, where the system continues the analysis ofthe contents of the AUTOPRINT.MRK file while confirming the end of thefile.

[0214] Until the end of the file is confirmed, the analysis of thecontents is performed by executing the processes of steps 304, 305, 306,307, 308 and 309.

[0215] When the end of the file has been confirmed in step 304, thesystem terminates its operation.

[0216] As described above, in the image reproduction system of theseventh embodiment, desired image data is automatically selected fromthe information recording medium where the data is recorded according tothe image filing method of the seventh embodiment, and imagereproduction output is performed. Accordingly, as described in theseventh embodiment, by executing the image filing method and the imagereproducing method of the present invention, desired image data recordedin the information recording medium can be automatically reproduced andoutput without assigning the desired image using a memo or the like.

[0217] Furthermore, since means for confirming an image to be reproducedis provided, it is possible to easily confirm the image to be reproducedby the user's instruction before automatically performing imagereproduction.

[0218] Although in the seventh embodiment, JPEG data is used as imagedata and image data for display, image data is not limited to JPEG data.For example, data conforming to TIFF, PICT or the like may also be used.RAW data may also be used. In this case, however, it is necessary torecord information relating to image reproduction in the informationrecording medium together with image data. When using data having aformat other than the JPEG format, it is only necessary to changeprocessing performed by the image reproduction processing unit 14 andthe data processing unit 170 shown in the seventh embodiment dependingon each image data. The present invention is not limited to a specifictype of image data being used.

[0219] Although in the seventh embodiment, an ink-jet printer is used asthe image reproducing device, the present invention is not limited tosuch a printer. For example, a sublimation-type thermal printer or asilver-halide-film printer may be used. Although a CRT is used as thedata display device, the present invention is not limited to such adevice. For example, an LCD, a plasma display, an LED display, or anyother printer may be used. When using such a device, also, it is onlynecessary to change processing in the image reproduction processing unit14 and the data processing unit 170 shown in the seventh embodiment soas to perform processing corresponding to a printer or a soft copydisplay device being used. Accordingly, the present invention may useany appropriate image reproducing device and data display device.

[0220] In the image reproduction system of the present invention, byanalizing recorded data at a corresponding position based on theposition and the size of image-reproduction instruction data in a file,and determining how the contents of the data correspond to predeterminedcontents of recording, it is determined whether or not image datarecorded in the file is to be reproduced. Accordingly, it is onlynecessary that image data and image-reproduction instruction data forinstructing whether or not the image data is to be reproduced arerecorded in the file. There is no limitation in the position, the size,the contents, the order and the like of recording.

[0221] Eighth Embodiment

[0222] As methods for confirming an image to be reproduced, a method ofdisplaying a summary of images to be displayed, and a method ofindividally displaying image data recorded in an information recordingmedium and displaying, when the concerned image is an image to bedisplayed, a mark indicating that fact together with the image data havebeen described in detail.

[0223] As another method for confirming an image to be reproduced, thereis a method of displaying a summary of image data recorded in aninformation recording medium, and displaying, when the concerned imagedata represents an image to be reproduced, that fact for each image inthe summary.

[0224]FIG. 24(c) illustrates an example of the above-described methodaccording to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. A summary ofimage data recorded in the information recording medium is displayed onthe display unit. In the eighth embodiment, a thumbnail image is used asthe displayed image. A mark “P” is simultaneously displayed at a lowerright portion of the thumbnail image when the image is to be displayed.The method of indicating an image to be displayed is not limited to sucha method. For example, a method of changing the hue of an image to bereproduced from the hue for other images, or a method of providing aframe for an image to be reproduced may be adopted.

[0225] Procesures for actually executing the eighth embodiment in animage output system and apparatus can be obtained by correctingprocedures for executing the above-described two methods. Hence, furtherdescription thereof will be omitted.

[0226] Ninth Embodiment

[0227] A ninth embodiment of the present invention will now bedescribed.

[0228] An object of the present invention is to easily confirm an imageto be reproduced in an apparatus for automatically reproducing an imagerepresented by image data recorded in an information recording medium.For that purpose, an image-reproduction instruction data file forspecifying image data subjected to image reproduction is provided, andmeans for grasping the contents of the file before performing imagereproduction is provided.

[0229] By utilizing this function, it is possible to perform warning foran operational error or the like produced in automatic printing when thethe number of printable images is smaller than the number of images tobe printed.

[0230] A description will now be provided of such processing accordingto the ninth embodiment.

[0231]FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an image reproduction system(apparatus) 60 for executing an image reproduction method according tothe ninth embodiment.

[0232] This image reproduction apparatus (system) 60 automaticallyselects a desired image from among images recorded in an informationrecording medium 11, and performs reproduction output (printing) of theselected image. At that time, the apparatus 60 checks the number ofprints outputtable from the apparatus and the number of images to beautomatically output. If the number of images to be output exceeds thenumber of outputtable prints, the apparatus 60 displays a warning tosuspend image output and to prevent occurrence of an output error.

[0233] For that purpose, the apparatus 60 provides a system-statedetection unit 20 in contrast to the apparatuses of the foregoingembodiments. In the system (apparatus) 60 of the ninth embodiment, anink-jet printer is used as an image reproducing device of an imagereproducing unit 13. The number of prints suppliable from the ink-jetprinter is given based on the total amount of inks of respective colorsto be supplied and the number of printing sheets. Accordingly, in theninth embodiment, the system-state detection unit 20 includes a devicefor optically monitoring the capacity of ink tanks of the ink-jetprinter, and a device for monitoring the number of sheets from thethickness of the sheets. It is thereby possible to always detect thecurrent number of prints outputtable from the ink-jet printer. Thisapproach may also be applied to a laser-beam printer or other printers.Other components in the ninth embodiment are the same as in theforegoing embodiments.

[0234] Next, a description will be provided of the operation of theimage reproduction system 60 of the ninth embodiment.

[0235]FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate the operational flow of the imagereproduction system 60 of the ninth embodiment. The operational flow isset in a RAM, a hard disk or the like of the system control unit 15 ofthe image reproduction system 60.

[0236] When the image reproduction system 60 has started, for example,by turning on the power supply, the operational flow is read andexecuted.

[0237] First, in step 700, it is determined if an information recordingmedium 11 is set in a data reading unit 12. If the result of thedetermination in step 700 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step701, where initial setting is performed, i.e., a value 0 is set in acounter TPCN for setting the total number of prints, and a value 0 isset in a counter PCN for setting the number of prints for each image.The process then proceeds to step 702, where the data reading unit 12reads an AUTOPRINT.MRK file from among files recorded in the informationrecording medium 11. The contents of the read file are sequentiallytransferred to a data processing unit 170 to be analyzed.

[0238] In step 703, the end of the file is determined. If the result ofthe determination in step 703 is affirmative, the process proceeds tostep 709, where the value of the counter PCN is added to the value ofthe counter TPCN. The value of the counter TPCN obtained at that time isthe total number of image reproduction operations (prints).

[0239] If the result of the determination in step 703 is negative, thecontents of the file are continued to be analyzed, and in step 704, itis determined if TAG″<IMG″ is present. If the result of thedetermination in step 704 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step707, where the value currently held by the counter PCN is added to thevalue of the counter TPCN. The process then proceeds to step 708, wherethe value of the counter PCN is set to 1. The process then returns tostep 703, and the analysis of the contents of the file is continued.

[0240] If the result of the determination in step 704 is negative, theprocess proceeds to step 705, where it is determined ifTAG“CIFF_PRINT_COUNT=” is present in the contents of the file. If theresult of the determination in step 705 is negative, the process returnsto step 703, and analysis of the contents of the file is continued.

[0241] If the result of the determination in step 705 is affirmative, avalue “X” set in TAG“CIFF_PRINT_COUNT=” in the form ofCIFF_PRINT_COUNT=“X” is set in the counter PCN. The process then returnsto step 703, and the analysis of the contents of the file is continued.

[0242] Step 710 is executed after step 709. In step 710, the number ofprints outputtable from the apparatus (system) is read from thesystem-state detection unit 20. Then, in step 711, it is determined ifthe value of the counter TPCN obtained in step 709 is equal to or lessthan the outputtable prints read in step 710. If the result of thedetermination in step 711 is negative, the process proceeds to step 724,where warning display is performed on a data display unit 180, and theoperation of the system is terminated. If the result of thedetermination in step 711 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step712, where image reproduction output (printing) is performed.

[0243] Next, a description will be provided of the case of proceeding tostep 712 and performing image reproduction.

[0244] In step 712, initial setting is performed, and a value 0 is setin the counter PCN for setting the number of prints for each image.

[0245] Then, in step 713, the data reading unit 12 reads anAUTOPRINT.MRK file from among files recorded in the informationrecording medium 11. The contents of the read file are sequentiallytransferred to the data processing unit 170 to be analyzed. In step 714,the end of the file is confirmed.

[0246] When the end of the file has been confirmed, the process proceedsto step 722, where it is determined if the value of the counter PCN is0. If the result of the determination in step 722 is affirmative, thesystem terminates its operation. If the result of the determination instep 722 is negative, the process proceeds to step 723, where about PCNprints of image data corresponding to the file name recorded in afile-name temporarily storing folder PFN are output, and the operationof the system is terminated.

[0247] When the end of the file is not confirmed, the contents of thefile are continued to be analyzed, and in step 715, it is determined ifTAG″<IMG″ is present.

[0248] If the result of the determination in step 715 is negative, theprocess proceeds to step 716, where it is determined ifTAG“CIFF_PRINT_COUNT=” is present. If the result of the determination instep 716 is affirmative, a value “X” given in the form ofCIFF_PRINT_COUNT=X is set in the counter PCN. The process then returnsto step 714, and the analysis of the contents of the file is continuedwhile confirming the end of the file. If the result of the determinationin step 715 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 718, where itis determined if the value of the counter PCN is 0. If the result of thedetermination in step 718 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step720. If the result of the determination in step 718 is negative, theprocess proceeds to step 719, where about PCN prints of image datacorresponding to the file name recorded in the file-name temorarilystoring folder PFN are output. The process then proceeds to step 720. Instep 720, the file name recorded immediately after TAG″<IMG″ is read andis set in the filename temporarily storing folder PFN.

[0249] In step 721, a value 1 is set in the counter PCN. The processthen returns to step 714, and the analysis of the contents of the fileis continued while confirming the end of the file.

[0250] In the ninth embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, and thedata reproducing unit 13 uses an ink-jet printer as the imagereproducing device. Accordingly, the image reproduction processing unit14 performs processing of obtaining RGB data by defrosting image datastored as JPEG data, color processing, resolution conversion processing,halftoning processing, and the like.

[0251] As described above, in the image reproduction system of the ninthembodiment, desired image data is automatically selected from theinformation recording medium where the data is recorded according to theimage filing method of the ninth embodiment, and image reproductionoutput is performed. Accordingly, as described in the ninth embodiment,by executing the image filing method and the image reproducing method ofthe present invention, desired image data recorded in the informationrecording medium can be automatically reproduced and output withoutassigning the desired image using a memo or the like.

[0252] Furthermore, since means for confirming the total output numberof images to be reproduced and the number of prints currentlyoutputtable from the system (apparatus), means for determining if thenumber of outputtable prints is larger than the total number of outputprints, and means for displaying warning in accordance with the resultof the determination are provided, the user can easily confirm whetheror not an image can be output before automatically performing imagereproduction, and it is therefore possible to prevent an output error.

[0253] Although in the ninth embodiment, JPEG data is used as imagedata, image data is not limited to JPEG data. For example, dataconforming to TIFF, PICT or the like may also be used. RAW data may alsobe used. In this case, however, it is necessary to record informationrelating to image reproduction in the information recording mediumtogether with image data. When using data having a format other than theJPEG format, it is only necessary to change processing performed by theimage reproduction processing unit 14 shown in the ninth embodimentdepending on each image data. The present invention is not limited to aspecific type of image data being used.

[0254] Although in the ninth embodiment, an ink-jet printer is used asthe image reproducing device, the present invention is not limited tosuch a printer. For example, a sublimation-type thermal printer or asilver-halide-film printer may be used. Alternatively, a soft-copydisplay device, such as a CRT, an LCD, a plasma display or the like, maybe used. When using such a device, also, it is only necessary to changeprocessing in the image reproduction processing unit 14 and thesystem-state detection unit 20 and monitoring means so as to performprocessing corresponding to a printer or a soft copy display devicebeing used. Accordingly, the present invention may use any appropriateimage reproducing device. For example, in the case of a sublimation-typethermal printer, a sublimation dye is provided in the form of a sheet.Since an area necessary for providing a print and the total area ofsheets set in advance in the apparatus are known, it is possible to knowthe number of prints available from now on by storing the number ofprints obtained up to the present.

[0255] As described above, an object of the present invention is toeasily confirm an image to be reproduced in an apparatus forautomatically reproducing an image represented by image data recorded inan information recording medium. For that purpose, an image-reproductioninstruction data file for specifying image data to be subjected to imagereproduction, and means for grasping the contents of the file beforeperforming image reproduction are provided. It is thereby possible toeasily confirm an image to be reproduced, display a summary of images tobe displayed on data display means, add a mark indicating an image to bereproduced to an image displayed on the data display means, compare thenumber of outputtable prints with the total number of output prints,perform warning display when the number of outputtable prints isinsufficient, and thereby prevent an output error.

[0256] Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to theprocedures, the apparatuses and the configurations shown in theforegoing embodiments, but can be executed in various other procedures,algorithms, apparatuses and configurations within the scope of the gistof the present invention.

[0257] Next, a description will be provided of further improvements inthe present invention.

[0258] Tenth Embodiment

[0259] A method for editing data recorded in an information recordingmedium according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention will nowbe described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0260] The tenth embodiment has a feature in that an output error whenimage data corresponding to image-reproduction instruction data isabsent in the information recording medium. Means for accessing imagedata to be reproduced is provided. When image-reproduction instructiondata is added to image data to be erased, the image-reproductioninstruction data is also erased. When there is no image in the data, areproduction output operation is skipped.

[0261]FIG. 25 illustrates a system for executing a method for editingdata in an information recording medium in the tenth embodiment. Thissystem provides an instruction whether or not image data recorded in aninformation recording medium 11 is to be deleted, or whether or notimage data is to be reproduced, and edits data in the informationrecording medium 11, by accessing image data and image-reproductioninstruction data recorded in the information recording medium 11.

[0262] In the tenth embodiment, a CF is used as the informationrecording medium 11. The information recording medium 11 is not limitedto the CF. For example, a floppy disk or the like may also be used.

[0263] The information-recording-medium-data editing system 10 includesan information-recording-medium accessing unit 120 for accessingrecorded data, comprising image-reproduction instruction data and imagedata, recorded in the information recording medium 11, and outputtingthe recorded data to a bus 16 or recording a result of processing in thesystem in the information recording medium 11, a system control unit 15for controlling the operations of the entire system by controllingrespective units of the information-recording medium-data editing system10, a user interface unit 190, having aninformation-recording-medium-data display unit for reading data recordedin the information recording medium 11 under the cotrol of the systemcontrol unit 15 or according to the user's instruction provided at theuser interface unit 190, and displayng image data and image-reproductioninstruction data obtained via the bus 16, for obtaining image-exchangeinstruction information, image-data-erasure instruction information andimage-reproduction instruction information provided by the user.

[0264] The format of the image file shown in FIGS. 17(a)-17(c) is usedas the format of the image file of the tenth embodiment. The contents ofrecording of ‘AUTOPRINT.MRK’ shown in FIG. 18 are also used in the tenthembodiment. In the tenth embodiment, such a file is generated by imageinput means, such as a digital camera or the like, a personal computer,the information-recording-medium-data editing system of the tenthembodiment, or the like.

[0265]FIG. 26 illustrates a display picture surface of the userinterface unit 190 of the tenth embodiment. In FIG. 26, referencenumeral 41 represents a unit for displaying data of the informationrecording medium, on which image data and image-reproduction instructiondata recorded in the information recording medium 11 are displayed. Amark “P” shown at a lower right portion of the displayed image indicatesthat this image is to be reproduced. A button 42 is used for exchangingthe image. By depressing the button 42, image data recorded immediatelybefore the currently displayed image is displayed in the region 41 inaccordance with the sequence of images recorded in the informationrecording medium 11. A button 43 is also used for exchanging the image.By depressing the button 43, image data recorded immediately after thecurrently displayed image is displayed in the region 41 in accordancewith the sequence of images recorded in the information recording medium11. A button 44 is used for erasing an image recorded in the informationrecording medium. By depressing the button 44, image data correspondingto the currently displayed image is erased from the informationrecording medium 11. A button 45 is used for indicating that thedisplayed image is to be reproduced (printed). By depressing the button45, the file name of the currently displayed image data recorded in theinformation recording medium 11 is read (in the tenth embodiment, thisfile name is stored in the system control unit 15 as temporarily helddata), and is written in an AUTOPRINT.MRK file of the informationrecording medium 11. When the button 45 is again depressed for imagedata for which an image-reproduction instruction has already beenprovided, that operation is neglected. A button 46 is used forinstructing that image reproduction (printing) of the displayed image isto be cancelled. By depressing the button 46, the file name of thecurrently displayed image data recorded in the information recordingmedium is read (in the tenth embodiment, the file name of the currentlydisplayed image data is held by the system control unit 15 astemporarily held data), and the file name written in the AUTOPRINT.MRKfile of the information recording medium 11 is erased. The button 46 iseffective only for image data for which an image-reproductioninstruction has already been provided. The operation of the button 46 isneglected for other images.

[0266] Next, a description will be provided of the operation of theinformation-recording-medium-data-editing system 10 of the tenthembodiment which is a characteristic operation of the present invention.In the tenth embodiment, when an instruction to erase image data isprovided from the user interface unit 190, whether or not imagereproduction is instructed for the image data is retrieved. If imagereproduction is instructed, the image-reproduction instruction isreleased. That is, whether or not the file name is described in theAUTOPRINT.MRK file is retrieved. If the file name is described, the filename is erased from the AUTOPRINT.MRK file.

[0267]FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the above-described operationof the information-recording-medium-data editing system 10 of the tenthembodiment.

[0268] The program represented by this operational flow is set in a RAM,a hard disk or the like of the system control unit 15 of theinformation-recording-medium-data editing system 10.

[0269] When the information-recording-medium-data editing system 10 hasstarted, for example, by turning on the power supply, the operationalflow is read and executed.

[0270] First, in step 501, it is determined if the erase button has beendepressed. This operation actually starts by depressing the erasebutton. If the result of the determination in step 501 is affirmative,the process proceeds to step 502, where the file name of the currentlydisplayed image data is read, and the contents of the AUTOPRINT.MRK fileare analyzed. Then, in step 503, it is determined if the read file nameof the displayed image data is present in the AUTOPRINT.MRK file. If theresult of the determination in step 503 is affirmative, that file nameis deleted from the AUTOPRINT.MRK file, and the file of the displayedimage is erased from the information recording medium 11. If the resultof the determination in step 503 is negative, the file of the displayedimage is erased from the information recording medium 11, because thisimage is not an image to be displayed and no problem arises during imagereproduction output even if the image data is erased.

[0271] Although in the tenth embodiment, image data recorded in aninformation recording medium is individually displayed, and it isdetermined whether or not the image is to be erased, the presentinvention is not limited to such an approach.

[0272] The gist of the present invention is as follows. That is, imagedata and data instructing whether or not the image data is to besubjected to reproduction output are recorded in an informationrecording medium. When editing data of the information recording medium,and erasing image data, it is checked whether or not reproduction of theimage data is instructed. If reproduction of the image data isinstructed, the reproduction instruction data is released. Accordingly,various means may be considered without departing from the gist of theinvention. For example, the present invention can also be executed whena summary of image data is displayed, and an erasing operation isperformed by selecting an image using a mouse or the like, or when afile of an information recording medium is directly edited using a fileeditor or the like.

[0273] As described above, according to the present invention, means forerasing image-reproduction instruction data relating to image data basedon an instruction to erase the image data is provided, and theimage-reproduction instruction data for the image data is also erasedwhen erasing the image data. Accordingly, the problem that image data tobe reproduced is absent in an image reproducing operation and the imagereproducing operation ends with an error is prevented.

[0274] Eleventh Embodiment

[0275] An eleventh embodiment of the present invention will now bedescribed. An object of the present invention is to prevent the problemthat, when contradiction arises in image a data and image-reproductioninstruction data recorded in an information recording medium, an imagereproducing operation ends with an error. For that purpose, in theabove-described tenth embodiment, means for checking image-reproductioninstruction data when erasing image data recorded in an informationrecording medium, and releasing the image-reproduction instruction datawhen an image-reproduction instruction is provided for the image data tobe erased is provided.

[0276] In the eleventh embodiment, means for executing an imagereproducing operation by neglecting image-reproduction instruction datawhen image data is absent in an information recording medium althoughthe image-reproduction instruction data is provided is provided.Accordingly, even if contradiction arises in image data andimage-reproduction instruction data recorded in an information recordingmedium, for example, even if an actual image is absent although animage-reproduction instruction data is provided, an image reproducingoperation is always executed without producing an error.

[0277]FIG. 28 illustrates an image reproduction system (apparatus) 10which executes an image reproduction method according to the eleventhembodiment. This image reproduction apparatus (system) 10 automaticallyselects desired image data from among image data recorded in aninformation recording medium 11, and performs reproduction output(printing) of an image represented by the selected image data. In theeleventh embodiment, a CF is used as the information recording medium11. The information recording medium 11 is not limited to the CF. Forexample, a floppy disk, a DVD or the like may also be used.

[0278] The image reproduction system (apparatus) 10 includes a datareading unit 12 for reading recorded data, comprising image-reproductioninstruction data and image data, recorded in the information recordingmedium 11, and outputting the recorded data to a bus 16, a systemcontrol unit 15 for controlling the operations of the entire system bycontrollling respective units of the image reproduction system 10, animage reproduction processing unit 14 for receiving image data read bythe data reading unit 12 under the control of the system control unit 15and output to the bus 16, and converting the image data intoreproduction output data for performing reproduction output andoutputting the reproduction output data, an image reproducing unit 13for receiving the reproduction output data to perform reproductionoutput (printing), a data processing unit 170 for analyzing the contentsof image-reproduction instruction data by selectively accessing thatdata, and a system display unit 180 for displaying the operational stateof the system in accordance with the results of the data processing unit170 and the system control unit 15.

[0279] The format of the image file of the information recording mediumin the eleventh embodiment is the same as in the format of the filedescribed in the tenth embodiment. Hence, further desription thereofwill be omitted. As described above, by checking the contents ofrecording of AUTOPRINT.MRK, the file of image data to be subjected toimage reproduction can be obtained. Furthermore, by checking the rootdirectory, the name of the file recorded in the information recordingmedium can be obtained. The contents of the information recording mediumare edited using input means of a personal computer, a digital camera orthe like.

[0280] Next, a description will be provided of the operation of theimage reproduction system (apparatus) 10 of the eleventh embodiment,which is a feature of the present invention.

[0281]FIG. 29 illustrates the operational flow of the image reproductionsystem 10 of the eleventh embodiment. The program represented by theoperational flow is set in a RAM, a hard disk or the like of the systemcontrol unit 15 of the image reproduction system 10.

[0282] When the image reproduction system 10 has started, for example,by turning on the power supply, the operational flow is read andexecuted.

[0283] First, in step 701, it is determined if the information recordingmedium 11 is set in the data reading unit 12. If the result of thedetermination in step 701 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step702, where the data reading unit 12 reads an AUTOPRINT.MRK file fromamong files recorded in the information recording medium 11. Thecontents of the read file are sequentially transferred to the dataprocessing unit 65 to be analyzed. In step 703, the end of the file isconfirmed. When the end of the file is not confirmed, the contents ofthe file are continued to be analyzed, and in step 704, it is determinedif TAG″<IMG″ is present. If the result of the determination in step 704is negative, the process returns to step 703, where the analysis of thecontents of the file is continued while confirming the end of the file.If the result of the determination in step 704 is affirmative, theprocess proceeds to step 705, where the name of the image file to besubjected to image reproduction “XXX.JGP” is read from the contents ofthe file SRC=“XXX.JPG”> recorded after the TAG″<IMG″.

[0284] In step 706, it is determined if a file corresponding to the readname of the image file to be subjected to image reproduction is presentin the information recording medium 11. If the result of thedetermination in step 706 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step707, where image data to be reproduced stored in the informationrecording medium 11 is read. Then, in step 708, the image reproductionprocessing unit 14 executes image reproduction output processing forimage reproduction output (printing) to generate image reproductionoutput data, which is subjected to reproduction output (printing) by theimage reproducing unit 13. If the result of the determination in step706 is negative, the process proceeds to step 709, where the name of theimage file to be subjected to image reproduction is temporarily storedin a storage region. At that time, the image reproduction outputoperation is skipped, and the operation of the system returns to step703.

[0285] In the eleventh embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data fordisplay, and the data reproducing unit 180 uses an ink-jet printer asthe image reproducing device. Accordingly, the image reproductionprocessing unit 140 performs processing of obtaining RGB data bydefrosting image data stored as JPEG data, color processing, resolutionconversion processing, halftoning processing, and the like.

[0286] When image reproduction output (printing) has been performed, theprocess returns to step 703, where the system continues the analysis ofthe contents of the AUTOPRINT.MRK file while confirming the end of thefile.

[0287] Until the end of the file is confirmed, the analysis of thecontents of the AUTOPRINT.MRK file is performed by executing theprocesses of steps 704, 705, 706, 707, 708 and 709.

[0288] When the end of the file has been confirmed in step 703, theprocess proceeds to step 71, where the system displays the file nametemporarily stored in the storage region on the system display unit 15as an unknown file, and terminates the operation.

[0289] As described above, in the image reproduction system of theeleventh embodiment, desired image data is automatically selected fromthe information recording medium where the data is recorded according tothe image filing method of the eleventh embodiment, and imagereproduction output is performed. Accordingly, as described in theeleventh embodiment, by executing the image filing method and the imagereproducing method of the present invention, desired image data recordedin the information recording medium can be automatically reproduced andoutput without assigning the desired image using a memo or the like.

[0290] Furthermore, it is possible to execute an image reproducingoperation by neglecting image-reproduction instruction data when imagedata is absent in an information recording medium although theimage-reproduction instruction data is provided. Hence, even ifcontradiction arises in image data and image-reproduction instructiondata recorded in an information recording medium, for example, even ifan actual image is absent although an image-reproduction instruction isprovided, an image reproducing operation is always executed withoutproducing an error.

[0291] Although in the eleventh embodiment, JPEG data is used as imagedata and image data for display, image data is not limited to JPEG data.For example, data conforming to TIFF, PICT or the like may also be used.RAW data may also be used. In this case, however, it is necessary torecord information relating to image reproduction in the informationrecording medium together with image data. When using data having aformat other than the JPEG format, it is only necessary to changeprocessing performed by the image reproduction processing unit 14 andthe data processing unit 170 shown in the eleventh embodiment dependingon each image data. The present invention is not limited to a specifictype of image data being used.

[0292] Although in the eleventh embodiment, an ink-jet printer is usedas the image reproducing device, the present invention is not limited tosuch a printer. For example, a sublimation-type thermal printer or asilver-halide-film printer may be used. Although a CRT is used as thedata display device, the present invention is not limited to such adevice. For example, an LCD, a plasma display, an LED display, or anyother printer may be used. When using such a device, also, it is onlynecessary to change processing in the image reproduction processing unit14 and the data processing unit 170 shown in the eleventh embodiment soas to perform processing corresponding to a printer or a soft copydisplay device being used. Accordingly, the present invention may useany appropriate image reproducing device and data display device.

[0293] In the image reproduction system of-the present invention, byanalizing recorded data at a corresponding position based on theposition and the size of image-reproduction instruction data in a file,and determining how the contents of the data correspond to predeterminedcontents of recording, it is determined whether or not image datarecorded in the file is to be reproduced. Accordingly, it is onlynecessary that image data and image-reproduction instruction data forinstructing whether or not the image data is to be reproduced arerecorded in the file. There is no limitation in the position, the size,the contents, the order and the like of recording.

[0294] An object of the present invention is to provide a configurationin which, even when corresponding image data is absent in an informationrecording medium although image-reproduction instruction data isprovided, an image reproducing operation can be executed by neglectingthe image-reproduction instruction data. Such a configuration is notlimited to the configuration of the eleventh embodiment, but any otherappropriate configuration may be adopted within a range of not departingfrom the object. For example, although in the eleventh embodiment, anunknown file is displayed at the final stage, this step may be omittedin consideration of the object of the present invention.

[0295] As described above, by allowing to supply the image reproductionsystem with an image output control program from an informationrecording medium or to execute the program by directly accessing theinformation recording medium, the image reproduction system of thepresent invention can control image output by an image output controlprogram corresponding to each recording format even for an informationrecording medium in which data are recorded in a plurality of differentrecording formats. Hence, it is possible to easily control image outputrequested by the invention for all formats.

[0296] Furthermore, since an image format and an output control programcorresponding thereto are provided from the same information recordingmedium, the system of the invention can automatically set an operationcorresponding to the image format recorded in the information recordingmedium. Hence, the present invention can be easily executed because itis unnecessary to set an operational program in accordance with aninformation recording medium.

[0297] Example of Application

[0298] When image data recorded in one of the above-described formats istransferred from a digital camera, a personal computer or the like viaone of various kinds of interfaces or via an Internet or the like, thesituation after reception of the data is equal to the case of setting ofa medium, as described in the foregoing embodiments, although some kindof certification is required when an instruction of output is recognizedin the apparatus 10, i.e., when, for example, accounting is performed.Accordingly, after the apparatus has recognized ‘data reception’including certification or the like, control similar to the controlperformed in any one of the above-described embodiments is performeddepending on the situation. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a systemfor performing such a control. As in the case of FIG. 25, an informationrecording medium 11 includes a general-purpose interface. Althoughdetailed description will be omitted, it is possible to determine datareception by determining whether or not data obtained via a network,IrDA (Infrared Date Association) interface, a 1394 interface (described,for example, in Japanese Patent Application No. 09-030541 (1997), aparallel interface, a serial interface or the like is based on theabove-described format, for example, by checking the presence ofrespective regions shown in FIGS. 1(a)-1(c). If this determination isperformed instead of step 300 shown in FIG. 3, and the process thenproceeds to step 301 and succeeding steps, this application may beapplied to each of the above-described embodiments.

[0299] As described above, according to the present invention, it ispossible to provide a method and apparatus for automatically reproducingdesired image data from among image data recorded in an informationrecording medium using an image filing method in which image data andimage-reproduction instruction data indicating whether or not the imagedata is to be reproduced are recorded in an information recordingmedium, and an image reproducing method including data reading means forreading recorded data, such as image data, image-reproductioninstruction data and the like, recorded in an information recordingmedium, means for selectively reading the image-reproduction instructiondata from among the recorded data, reproduction-output-data generationprocessing means for reading necessary image data from the informationrecording medium in accordance with the image-reproduction instructiondata and for outputting reproduction output data for reproduction, andreproducing means for reproducing the reproduction output data.

[0300] Accordingly, the present invention can be executed in variousprocedures, algorithms, configurations of apparatuses within theabove-described gist of the invention without being limited to theprocesures and the configurations of apparatuses shown in the foregoingembodiments

[0301] The present invention can provide an image filing method and animage reproduction method in which a print of a desired image can bepromptly obtained by automatically specifying the image from amongimages recorded in an information recording medium.

[0302] The present invention can provide a file format in which imagedata and image-reproduction instruction data instructing whether or notthe image data is to be reproduced can be recorded in an informationrecording medium.

[0303] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide anapparatus including data reading means for reading recorded data, suchas image data, image-reproduction instruction data and the like,recorded in an information recording medium, means for selectivelyreading the image-reproduction instruction data from among the recordeddata, reproduction-output-data generation processing means for readingnecessary image data from the information recording medium in accordancewith the image-reproduction instruction data and for outputtingreproduction output data for reproduction, and reproduction means forreproducing the reproduction output data.

[0304] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide anoutput control method in which image data and image-reproductioninstruction data for instructing whether or not the image data is to bereproduced are recorded in an information recording medium,image-reproduction instruction data is selectively read from amongrecorded data recorded in the information recording medium, necessaryimage data is read from the information recording medium in accordancewith the image-reproduction instruction data, andreproduction-output-data generating processing is performed to reproducedesired image data.

[0305] According to a further improvement in the present invention, amethod, an apparatus and a system in which image data andimage-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether or not theimage data is to be reproduced are recorded in an information recordingmedium, image-reproduction instruction data is selectively read fromamong recorded data recorded in the information recording medium,necessary image data is read from the information recording medium inaccordance with the image-reproduction instruction data,andreproduction-output-data generating processing is performed to reproducedesired image data can perform reproduction output by automaticallyspecifying a desired image from among images recorded in the informationrecording medium. Hence, it is possible to promptly obtain a print of adesired image without requiring the operator's manual operation.

[0306] According to a further improvement in the present invention, itis possible to prevent an error in an image reproducing operationproduced because image data to be reproduced is absent, for example,when image data recorded in an information recording medium for whichimage-reproduction instruction data has been provided in order toperform image reproduction is deleted and processing of non-selection isnot performed for the image-reproduction instruction data. Hence, whenperforming automatic image reproduction, automatic image reproductioncan be efficiently executed by preventing abnormal end of an imagereproducing operation.

[0307] According the present invention, it is possible to provide amemory medium for storing image data and image-reproduction instructiondata for instructing whether or not the image data is to be reproducedso that the the image-reproduction instruction data specifies an imagefor which image reproduction is instructed, and that the specified imagedata can be selectively output based on the image-reproductioninstruction data.

[0308] The memory medium can also store a program for controllingreproduction of the image data based on the image-reproductioninstruction data. The image-reproduction instruction data is stored foreach image data. The image-reproduction instruction data is provided forthe name of each image data. The image-reproduction instruction datacomprises information for instructing image data to be reproduced storedin a specific file.

[0309] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide animage output control method including a function of recognizing mountingof a recording medium, a reading function of reading image-reproductioninstruction data recorded in the recording medium based on therecognition of the mounting, and a generation function of performingimage generation for output by selectively reading necessary image datafrom the information recording medium in accordance with theimage-reproduction instruction data.

[0310] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide animage output control apparatus including recognition means forrecognizing mounting of a recording medium, reading means for readingimage-reproduction instruction data recorded in the recording mediumbased on the recognition of the mounting, and generation means forperforming image generation for output by selectively reading necessaryimage data from the information recording medium in accordance with theimage-reproduction instruction data.

[0311] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide anoutput control method including a determination function of determiningmounting of a medium, a discrimination function of discriminatingwhether or not an image output program is stored in the medium when thedetermination function has determined that the medium is mounted, and acontrol function of controlling output so as to selectively output animage to be output in accordance with the image output program when thediscrimination function has discriminated that the image output programis stored.

[0312] The control function may have a function of determining whetheror not image-reproduction instruction data is stored in the medium. Whenit has been determined that image-reproduction instruction data isstored, the control function controls output so as to selectively outputimage data instructed by the image-reproduction instruction data. Thecontrol function may also include a function of reading the image outputprogram when the discrimination function has discriminated that theimage output program is stored.

[0313] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide anoutput control apparatus including determination means for determiningmounting of a medium, discrimination means for discriminating whether ornot an image output program is stored in the medium when thedetermination means has determined that the medium is mounted, andcontrol means for controlling output so as to selectively output animage to be output in accordance with the image output program when thediscrimination means has discriminated that the image output program isstored. The control means may have a function of determining whether ornot image-reproduction instruction data is stored in the medium. If theresult of the determination is affirmative, the control means controlsoutput so as to selectively output image data instructed by theimage-reproduction instruction data. The apparatus may further includecontrol means for controlling output of the image to be output inaccordance with an output program incorporated within the apparatus whenthe discrimination means has discriminated that the image output programis not stored in the medium. The control means may include a function ofdetermining whether or not the image-reproduction instruction data isstored in the medium. When the result of the determination isaffirmative, the control means controls output so as to selectivelyoutput image data instructed by the image-reproduction instruction databased on the output program incorporated within the apparatus.

[0314] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide anoutput control method including a determination function of determiningwhether or not a medium storing an image output program is set, and acontrol function of controlling output so as to output an image to beselectively output in accordance with the image output program if theresult of the determination is affirmative.

[0315] The determination function may alao have a function ofdetermining whether or not a medium storing image data is set. Thedetermination function may determine whether or not the medium storingthe image output program and a medium storing image data are set. Thedetermination function may have a function of determining whether or notimage data and image-reproduction instruction data are stored. When ithas been determined that these data are stored, the control functioncontrols output so as to selectively output image data instructed by theimage-reproduction instruction data. The control function may include afunction of reading the image output program when the determinationfunction has determined that the image output program is stored. Thedetermination function may determine setting of a medium, setting of themedium storing the image output program, and setting of a medium storingimage data.

[0316] According to the present inventions it is possible to provide anoutput control apparatus including determination means for determiningwhether or not a medium storing an image output program is set, andcontrol means for controlling output so as to selectively output animage to be output in accordance with the image output program if theresult of the determination is affirmative.

[0317] The determination function may also have a function ofdetermining whether or not a medium storing image data is set. Thedetermination function may determine whether or not the medium storingthe image output program and a medium storing image data are set. Thedetermination function may have a function of determining whether or notimage data and image-reproduction instruction data are stored. When ithas been determined that these data are stored, the control meanscontrols output so as to selectively output image data instructed by theimage-reproduction instruction data. The control means may include afunction of reading the image output program when the determinationmeans has determined that the image output program is stored. Thedetermination means may determine setting of a medium, setting of themedium storing the image output program, and setting of a medium storingimage data.

[0318] In the image output control method, a program for controllingreproduction of the image data based on the image-reproductioninstruction data may be stored in the medium. The image-reproductioninstruction data may be stored for each image data. Theimage-reproduction instruction data may be provided for the name of eachimage data. The image-reproduction instruction data may compriseinformation for instructing image data to be reproduced stored in aspecific file.

[0319] In the image output control apparatus, a program for controllingreproduction of the image data based on the image-reproductioninstruction data may be stored in the medium. The image-reproductioninstruction data may be stored for each image data. Theimage-reproduction instruction data may be provided for the name of eachimage data. The image-reproduction instruction data may compriseinformation for instructing image data to be reproduced stored in aspecific file.

[0320] The output may be executed by one of hard copy outputapparatuses, such as an ink-jet printer, a sublimation-type thermalprinter, a silver-halide-film printer, and the like.

[0321] The output may be executed by a soft-copy output apparatus, suchas a cathode-ray tube, a liquid-crystal display, a plasma display or thelike.

[0322] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide astorage medium including a function of recognizing mounting of arecording medium, a reading function of reading image-reproductioninstruction data recorded in the recording medium based on therecognition of the mounting, and generation function of performing imagegeneration for output by selectively reading necessary image data fromthe information recording medium in accordance with theimage-reproduction instruction data.

[0323] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide astorage medium including a determination function of determiningmounting of a medium, a discrimination function of discriminatingwhether or not an image output program is stored in the medium when thedetermination function has determined that the medium is mounted, and acontrol function of controlling output so as to selectively output animage to be output in accordance with the image output program when thediscrimination function has discriminated that the image output programis stored.

[0324] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide astorage medium including a determination function of determining whetheror not a medium storing an image output program is set, and a controlfunction of controlling output so as to selectively output an image tobe output in accordance with the image output program if the result ofthe determination is affirmative.

[0325] According the present invention, it is possible to provide animage output control apparatus including recognition means forrecognizing mounting of a recording medium which stores image data andimage-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether or not theimage data is to be reproduced so that the the image-reproductioninstruction data specifies an image for which image reproduction isinstructed, and that the specified image data can be selectively outputbased on the image-reproduction instruction data, reading means forreading the image-reproduction instruction data recorded in therecording medium based on the recognition of the mounting of therecording medium by the recognition means, and generation means forperforming image generation for output by selectively reading necessaryimage data from the information recording medium in accordance with theimage-reproduction instruction data.

[0326] A program for controlling reproduction of the image data based onthe image-reproduction instruction data may be stored in the recordingmedium. The image-reproduction instruction data may be stored for eachimage data. The image-reproduction instruction data may be provided forthe name of each image data. The image-reproduction instruction data maycomprise information for instructing image data to be reproduced storedin a specific file.

[0327] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide animage output control apparatus including recognition means forrecognizing reception of image data and image-reproduction instructiondata in a format so that the image data can be selectively output in anoutput device based on the image-reproduction instruction data, readingcontrol means for reading the image-reproduction instruction data basedon the recognition of reception of the image data and theimage-reproduction instruction data by the recognition means, andgeneration control means for selectively performing image generation foroutput for necessary image data from among the image data in accordancewith the image-reproduction instruction data.

[0328] The image-reproduction instruction data may be stored for eachimage data. The image-reproduction instruction data may be provided forthe name of each image data. The image-reproduction instruction data maycomprise information for instructing image data to be reproduced storedin a specific file. The recognition means may recognize reception of theimage-reproduction instruction data and the image data.

[0329] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide animage output control apparatus including data reading means for readingrecorded data including image data and image-output instruction datarecorded in an information recording medium, output-data generationprocessing means for outputting output data for output by readingnecessary image data from the information recording medium in accordancewith the image-output instruction data, output means for outputting theoutput data, data display means for displaying image-output instructiondata and image data, and data processing means for analyzing theimage-output instruction data.

[0330] The data display means may display a summary of data forspecifying an image to be output. The data display means may displaydata for specifying image data recorded in the information recordingmedia, and information indicating whether or not an instruction foroutputting the displayed image data is present.

[0331] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide animage output control apparatus including data reading means for readingrecorded data including image data and image-output instruction datarecorded in an information recording medium, output-data generationprocessing means for outputting output data for output by readingnecessary image data from the information recording medium in accordancewith the image-output instruction data, output means for outputting theoutput data, data display means for displaying data relating to imageoutput, data processing means for analyzing the image-output instructiondata, and means for recognizing a number of prints currently outputtableby the apparatus.

[0332] The data display means may compare the total number of outputprints obtained by the data processing means with the number ofcurrently outputtable prints obtained by the means for recognizing thenumber of currently outputtable prints, and performs alarm display whenthe number of prints to be output is larger than the number ofoutputtable prints.

[0333] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide animage output control apparatus including means for accessing aninformation recording medium, data reading means for reading recordeddata including image data and image-output instruction data recorded inthe information recording medium, and determination means fordetermining whether or not data to instruct erasure of image data in therecorded data is present. If the determination means has determined thatthe erasure instruction data is present, image-output instruction datacorresponding to that image data is erased based on the erasureinstruction data.

[0334] The apparatus may further include data editing means for editingdata of the information recording medium.

[0335] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide animage output control apparatus including reading means for readingimage-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether or not imagedata is to be reproduced recorded in an information recording mediumstoring the image data and the image-reproduction instruction data sothat the image-reproduction instruction data specifies an image forwhich image reproduction is instructed, and that the specified imagedata can be selectively output based on the image-reproductioninstruction data, generation means for performing image reproduction foroutput by reading necessary image data from the information recordingmedium in accordance with the read image-reproduction instruction data,and skip means for skipping an operation of outputting an imagecorresponding to image data for which the image-reproduction instructiondata is provided when that image data is absent in the informationrecording medium.

[0336] The apparatus may further include result-of-operation displaymeans for displaying a result of an operation of the apparatus. When anoutput operation has been skipped, that fact is displayed using theresult-of-operation display means.

[0337] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide animage input control apparatus including input control means forinputting image data, and recording control means for recording imagedata corresponding to image-reproduction instruction data forinstructing whether or not image data is to be reproduced, based on aformat provided so that image-reproduction instruction data specifiesimage data for which image reproduction is instructed.

[0338] The image-reproduction instruction data and the image data may berecorded in an information recording medium.

[0339] The individual components shown in outline or designated byblocks in the drawings are all well-known in the image output controlapparatus arts and their specific construction and operation are notcritical to the operation or the best mode for carrying out theinvention.

[0340] While the present invention has been described with respect towhat are presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosedembodiments. To the contrary, the present invention is intended to covervarious modifications and equivalent arrangements included within thespirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the followingclaims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompassall such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A memory medium for storing image data andimage-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether or not theimage data is to be reproduced so that the image-reproductioninstruction data specifies an image for which image reproduction isinstructed, and that the specified image data can be selectively outputbased on the image-reproduction instruction data.
 2. A memory mediumaccording to claim 1, wherein said memory medium also stores a programfor controlling reproduction of the image data based on theimage-reproduction instruction data.
 3. A memory medium according toclaim 1 or 2, wherein the image-reproduction instruction data is storedfor each image data.
 4. A memory medium according to claim 1 or 2,wherein the image-reproduction instruction data is provided for the nameof each image data.
 5. A memory medium according to claim 1 or 2,wherein the image-reproduction instruction data comprises informationfor instructing image data to be reproduced stored in a specific file.6. An image output control method comprising: a function of recognizingmounting of a recording medium; a reading function of readingimage-reproduction instruction data recorded in the recording mediumbased on the recognition of the mounting; and a generation function ofperforming image generation for output by selectively reading necessaryimage data from the information recording medium in accordance with theimage-reproduction instruction data.
 7. An image output controlapparatus comprising: recognition means for recognizing mounting of arecording medium; reading means for reading image-reproductioninstruction data recorded in the recording medium based on therecognition of the mounting; and generation means for performing imagegeneration for output by selectively reading necessary image data fromthe information recording medium in accordance with theimage-reproduction instruction data.
 8. An output control methodcomprising: a determination function of determining mounting of amedium; a discrimination function of discriminating whether or not animage output program is stored in the medium when the determinationfunction has determined that the medium is mounted; and a controlfunction of controlling output so as to selectively output an image tobe output in accordance with the image output program when thediscrimination function has discriminated that the image output programis stored.
 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein said controlfunction has a function of determining whether or not image-reproductioninstruction data is stored in the medium, and wherein when it has beendetermined that image-reproduction instruction data is stored, saidcontrol function controls output so as to selectively output image datainstructed by the image-reproduction instruction data.
 10. A methodaccording to claim 8, wherein said control function includes a functionof reading the image output program when the discrimination function hasdetermined that the image output program is stored.
 11. An outputcontrol apparatus comprising: determination means for determiningmounting of a medium; discrimination means for discriminating whether ornot an image output program is stored in the medium when saiddetermination means has determined that the medium is mounted; andcontrol means for controlling output so as to selectively output animage to be output in accordance with the image output program when saiddiscrimination means has discriminated that the image output program isstored.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said controlmeans has a function of determining whether or not image-reproductioninstruction data is stored in the medium, and wherein if the result ofthe determination is affirmative, said control means controls output soas to selectively output image data instructed by the image-reproductioninstruction data.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 11, furthercomprising control means for controlling output of the image to beoutput in accordance with an output program incorporated within saidapparatus when said discrimination means has discriminated that theimage output program is not stored in the medium.
 14. An apparatusaccording to claim 13, wherein said control means includes a function ofdetermining whether or not image-reproduction instruction data is storedin the medium, and wherein, When the result of the determination isaffirmative, said control means controls output so as to selectivelyoutput image data instructed by the image-reproduction instruction databased on the output program incorporated within said apparatus.
 15. Anoutput control method comprising: a determination function ofdetermining whether or not a medium storing an image output program isset; and a control function of controlling output so as to selectivelyoutput an image to be output in accordance with the image output programif the result of the determination is affirmative.
 16. A methodaccording to claim 15, wherein said determination function also has afunction of determining whether or not a medium storing image data isset.
 17. A method according to claim 15, wherein said determinationfunction determines whether or not the medium storing the image outputprogram and a medium storing image data are set.
 18. A method accordingto claim 15, wherein said determination function has a function ofdetermining whether or not image data and image-reproduction instructiondata are stored, and wherein, when it has been determined that thesedata are stored, said control function controls output so as toselectively output image data instructed by the image-reproductioninstruction data.
 19. A method according to claim 15, wherein saidcontrol function includes a function of reading the image output programwhen said determination function has determined that the image outputprogram is stored.
 20. A method according to claim 15, wherein saiddetermination function determines setting of a medium, setting of themedium storing the image output program, and setting of a medium storingimage data.
 21. An output control apparatus comprising: determinationmeans for determining whether or not a medium storing an image outputprogram is set; and control means for controlling output so as toselectively output an image to be output in accordance with the imageoutput program if the result of the determination is affirmative.
 22. Anapparatus according to claim 21, wherein said determination means alsohas a function of determining whether or not a medium storing image datais set.
 23. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein saiddetermination means determines whether or not the medium storing theimage output program and a medium storing image data are set.
 24. Anapparatus according to claim 21, wherein said determination means has afunction of determining whether or not image data and image-reproductioninstruction data are stored, and wherein, when it has been determinedthat these data are stored, said control means controls output so as toselectively output image data instructed by the image-reproductioninstruction data.
 25. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein saidcontrol means includes a function of reading the image output programwhen said determination means has determined that the image outputprogram is stored.
 26. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein saiddetermination means determines setting of a medium, setting of themedium storing the image output program, and setting of a medium storingimage data.
 27. A method according to claim 6, wherein a program forcontrolling reproduction of the image data based on theimage-reproduction instruction data is stored in the medium.
 28. Amethod according to claim 6, wherein the image-reproduction instructiondata is stored for each image data.
 29. A method according to claim 6,wherein the image-reproduction instruction data is provided for the nameof each image data.
 30. A method according to claim 6, wherein theimage-reproduction instruction data comprises information forinstructing image data to be reproduced stored in a specific file. 31.An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a program for controllingreproduction of the image data based on the image-reproductioninstruction data is stored in the medium.
 32. An apparatus according toclaim 7, wherein the image-reproduction instruction data is stored foreach image data.
 33. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein theimage-reproduction instruction data is provided for the name of eachimage data.
 34. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein theimage-reproduction instruction data comprises information forinstructing image data to be reproduced stored in a specific file.
 35. Amethod according to any one of claims 6, 8 and 15, wherein the output isexecuted by one of hard copy output apparatuses, such as an ink-jetprinter, a sublimation-type thermal printer, a silver-halide-filmprinter, and the like.
 36. An apparatus according to claim 7 or 11,wherein the output is executed by one of hard copy output apparatuses,such as an ink-jet printer, a sublimation-type thermal printer, asilver-halide-film printer, and the like.
 37. A method according to anyone of claims 6, 8 and 15, wherein the output is executed by a soft-copyoutput apparatus, such as a cathode-ray tube, a liquid-crystal display,a plasma display or the like.
 38. An apparatus according to claim 7 or11, wherein the output is executed by a soft-copy output apparatus, suchas a cathode-ray tube, a liquid-crystal display, a plasma display or thelike.
 39. A memory medium comprising: a function of recognizing mountingof a recording medium; a reading function of reading image-reproductioninstruction data recorded in the recording medium based on therecognition of the mounting; and a generation function of performingimage generation for output by selectively reading necessary image datafrom the information recording medium in accordance with theimage-reproduction instruction data.
 40. A memory medium comprising: adetermination function of determining mounting of a medium; adiscrimination function of discriminating whether or not an image outputprogram is stored in the medium when the determination function hasdetermined that the medium is mounted; and a control function ofcontrolling output so as to selectively output an image to be output inaccordance with the image output program when the discriminationfunction has discriminated that the image output program is stored. 41.A memory medium comprising: a determination function of determiningwhether or not a medium storing an image output program is set; and acontrol function of controlling output so as to selectively output animage to be output in accordance with the image output program if theresult of the determination by said determination function isaffirmative.
 42. An image output control apparatus comprising:recognition means for recognizing mounting of a recording medium whichstores image data and image-reproduction instruction data forinstructing whether or not the image data is to be reproduced so thatthe image-reproduction instruction data specifies an image for whichimage reproduction is instructed, and that the specified image data canbe selectively output based on the image-reproduction instruction data;reading means for reading the image-reproduction instruction datarecorded in the recording medium based on the recognition of themounting of the recording medium by said recognition means; andgeneration means for performing image generation for output byselectively reading necessary image data from the information recordingmedium in accordance with the image-reproduction instruction data. 43.An apparatus according to claim 42, wherein a program for controllingreproduction of the image data based on the image-reproductioninstruction data is stored in the recording medium.
 44. An apparatusaccording to claim 42 or 43, wherein the image-reproduction instructiondata is stored for each image data.
 45. An apparatus according to claim42 or 43, wherein the image-reproduction instruction data is providedfor the name of each image data.
 46. An apparatus according to claim 42or 43, wherein the image-reproduction instruction data comprisesinformation for instructing image data to be reproduced stored in aspecific file.
 47. An image output control apparatus comprising:recognition means for recognizing reception of image data andimage-reproduction instruction data in a format so that the image datacan be selectively output in an output device based on theimage-reproduction instruction data; reading control means for readingthe image-reproduction instruction data based on the recognition ofreception of the image data and the image-reproduction instruction databy said recognition means; and generation control means for selectivelyperforming image generation for output for necessary image data fromamong the image data in accordance with the image-reproductioninstruction data.
 48. An apparatus according to claim 47, wherein theimage-reproduction instruction data is stored for each image data. 49.An apparatus according to claim 47, wherein the image-reproductioninstruction data is provided for the name of each image data.
 50. Anapparatus according to claim 47, wherein the image-reproductioninstruction data comprises information for instructing image data to bereproduced stored in a specific file.
 51. An apparatus according toclaim 47, wherein said recognition means recognizes reception of theimage-reproduction instruction data and the image data.
 52. An imageoutput control apparatus comprising: data reading means for readingrecorded data including image data and image-output instruction datarecorded in an information recording medium; output-data generationprocessing means for outputting output data for output by readingnecessary image data from the information recording medium in accordancewith the image-output instruction data; output means for outputting theoutput data; data display means for displaying image-output instructiondata and image data; and data processing means for analyzing theimage-output instruction data.
 53. An apparatus according to claim 52,wherein said data display means displays a summary of data forspecifying an image to be output.
 54. An apparatus according to claim52, wherein said data display means displays data for specifying imagedata recorded in the information recording media, and informationindicating whether or not an instruction for outputting the displayedimage data is present.
 55. An image output control apparatus comprising:data reading means for reading recorded data including image data andimage-output instruction data recorded in an information recordingmedium; output-data generation processing means for outputting outputdata for output by reading necessary image data from the informationrecording medium in accordance with the image-output instruction data;output means for outputting the output data; data display means fordisplaying data relating to image output; data processing means foranalyzing the image-output instruction data; and means for recognizing anumber of prints currently outputtable by said apparatus.
 56. Anapparatus according to claim 55, wherein said data display meanscompares the total number of output prints obtained by said dataprocessing means with the number of currently outputtable printsobtained by said means for recognizing the number of currentlyoutputtable prints, and performs alarm display when the number of printsto be output is larger than the number of outputtable prints.
 57. Animage output control apparatus comprising: means for accessing aninformation recording medium; data reading means for reading recordeddata including image data and image-output instruction data recorded inthe information recording medium; and determination means fordetermining whether or not data to instruct erasure of image data in therecorded data is present, wherein if said determination means hasdetermined that the erasure instruction data is present, image-outputinstruction data corresponding to that image data is erased based on theerasure instruction data.
 58. An apparatus according to claim 55,further comprising data editing means for editing data of theinformation recording medium.
 59. An image output control apparatuscomprising: reading means for reading image-reproduction instructiondata for instructing whether or not image data is to be reproducedrecorded in an information recording medium storing the image data andthe image-reproduction instruction data so that the image-reproductioninstruction data specifies an image for which image reproduction isinstructed, and that the specified image data can be selectively outputbased on the image-reproduction instruction data; generation means forperforming image reproduction for output by reading necessary image datafrom the information recording medium in accordance with the readimage-reproduction instruction data; and skip means for skipping anoperation of outputting an image corresponding to image data for whichthe image-reproduction instruction data is provided when that image datais absent in the information recording medium.
 60. An apparatusaccording to claim 59, further comprising result-of-operation displaymeans for displaying a result of an operation of said apparatus,wherein, when an output operation has been skipped, that fact isdisplayed using said result-of-operation display means.
 61. An imageinput control apparatus comprising: input control means for inputtingimage data; and recording control means for recording image datacorresponding to image-reproduction instruction data for instructingwhether or not image data is to be reproduced, based on a formatprovided so that image-reproduction instruction data specifies imagedata for which image reproduction is instructed.
 62. An apparatusaccording to claim 61, wherein the image-reproduction instruction dataand the image data are recorded in an information recording medium.